Jayasurya my first villain, Mukesh demanded sex for AMMA membership: Minu Muneer
The allegations made by Minu Muneer in a recent Facebook post have raised serious questions about the conduct of some of the industry's most respected figures.
Updated : August 26, 2024 11:48 AM ISTThe allegations made by Minu Muneer in a recent Facebook post have raised serious questions about the conduct of some of the industry's most respected figures.
Mukesh and Jayasurya.
Actor Minu Muneer has levelled serious allegations of power abuse against actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, and Edavela Babu. In a recent Facebook post, she named six persons, claiming they sought sexual favours in exchange for helping her pursue a career in the Malayalam film industry.
Minu Muneer alleged that in 2013, when Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Edavela Babu held executive positions at the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), they used their influence to demand sexual favours from her. "They (Mukesh) told me that only if I share a bed with all these people will I get a membership in AMMA," she revealed to the media.
She pointed out that an actor becomes eligible for AMMA membership after working in three movies. Despite having worked in six movies at the time, seasoned actor Mukesh informed her that without his approval, she couldn't advance in the Malayalam film industry.
"I informed Innocent about it. He asked me to meet his contact at AMMA and apply for membership. When I went there, Mukesh called me and said, 'You tried to sneak your way into AMMA behind my back. Understand that nothing happens in the Malayalam film industry without my knowledge," she recalled.
Minu Muneer also claimed that she faced her first instance of sexual harassment by Jayasurya, referring to him as her "first villain."
"We were shooting for De Ingottu Nokkiye at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. When I was coming out of the washroom, he ambushed me from behind, hugged me, and kissed my lips. Jagathy Sreekumar was also part of the cast. He was very genuine, and I felt comfortable around him. I thought of telling him what happened to me. It was my first film, and I was very worried. But Jayasurya approached me later and asked, 'Just say yes or no. I have a flat in Thiruvananthapuram, and I am interested in you. If you like, we can meet there.' I said no," she recounted.
Despite her efforts to bring attention to what was happening, Minu Muneer said she found no help. She expressed that she felt compelled to speak out and hold her tormentors accountable so that future generations of actors don't have to endure the same ordeal.