Mammootty denies power centre allegations amid mollywood #metoo controversy
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid growing controversy in the Malayalam film industry over sexual assault allegations against prominent figures, veteran actor Mammootty has denied the existence of a "power centre" in Mollywood. This statement follows Mohanlal’s recent denial of involvement in any power groups within the industry.
In a Facebook post, the 72-year-old actor emphasised that cinema mirrors society, including its flaws, and urged the police to conduct an honest investigation. He also welcomed the recommendations of the Justice Hema Committee, formed in response to allegations of misconduct in the industry.
Mammootty's statement comes as the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlights the control of the Malayalam film industry by a small group of male producers, directors, and actors, has become public. The report, submitted in 2019 but released only recently, has led to the dissolution of the top panel of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), which was led by Mohanlal.
Several actors and filmmakers, including Jayasurya, Sidhique, and Mukesh, are currently facing accusations of sexual harassment or assault, intensifying the scrutiny on the industry.
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Dhyan Chand lifetime award to be replaced by Arjuna lifetime
New Delhi, Oct 24: The sports ministry on Thursday announced the discontinuation of the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement from this year onwards and the introduction of the Arjuna Award Lifetime in its place in a bid to "rationalise" the various sporting honours of the country.
Instituted in 2002, the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award, named after hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, is given to individuals in disciplines that are part of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, among others.
In 2023, the award was given to former shuttler Manjusha Kanwar, ex-hockey exponent Vineet Kumar and kabaddi player Kavitha Selvaraj.
"The various schemes for sports awards have been rationalised wherein Arjuna Award (Lifetime) has been introduced in place of Dhyan Chand Award. To recognise the efforts of coaches at grassroots/development level, they are now eligible for the Dronacharya Award," said a ministry statement.
"The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) has been introduced and will be given for life time contribution to sports development.
"Further, to recognize the Khelo India scheme, the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy will be given to the University for Overall Top Performance in Khelo India University Games," it added.
The last date for applying for the national sports awards for 2024 is November 14.
