The late actor Thilakan was undoubtedly one of the most talented artists in Malayalam cinema and the thespian is still remembered for his unique stance and strong opinions. Shammi Thilakan, who is Thilakan's son and actor, has been demanding that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) should repeal its actions against the late actor and issue an apology.
Shammi talks about his father and what transpired at the recent AMMA executive meeting where he reportedly had a spat with actor Mukesh. The meeting was held in Kochi on Tuesday in response to a letter by artistes Revathy, Padmapriya, and Parvathy on the re-induction of embattled actor Dileep in the association. Here is what Shammi Thilakan had to say:
There are reports that you had disagreements with actor Mukesh at the executive meeting of AMMA. It was also said that Mukesh had threatened you, to which you reacted quite harshly. What exactly had happened?
Nothing had happened at the meeting like the media had reported. Mukesh is like an elder brother. I have a close relationship with him and that extends beyond films. Contrary to media reports, the argument was not regarding the issues surrounding my father. It was more personal. I am just a representative who spoke for my father.
Did Mukesh ever say that you will suffer if you acted in director Vinayan’s film?
It is true. Mukesh had warned that there would be problems if I acted in Vinayan’s movies. He had said it on the sets of Mannar Mathai II. AMMA’s then president Innocent too was present then. But I was never banned by the association and I have no problems with Mukesh.
You were apparently heard telling Mukesh so: “Keep your antics to yourself. The CPM should be blamed for making you an elected representative." Is that true?
Everyone knows the quintessential speaking style of Kollam natives. Though whatever appeared in the media was true, there was no malice when we spoke. He had not tried to mock me. He cracked a joke which I couldn't appreciate. I then retorted saying he should keep his antics to himself and the CPM should be blamed for electing him. I did not intend to create an animosity when I said that. However, those outside the cinema fraternity may feel that there is hostility between us. Later, Mukesh himself came to me and said, “Just leave it, don’t take it personally." He apologized too, so the matter ended there.
Do you think Mukesh was responsible for your opportunities coming down?
It was because of Mukesh’s interference that I had to return Rs 50,000 that I had received as advance for Vinayan’s film. But I can't say that he was responsible. He had in fact tried to alert me that I would face problems in the industry if I signed a movie with Vinayan. Mukesh has always been like an elder brother who guided me.
Very few film-makers like Lohithadas, Joshy and Sibi Malayil had utilized your real potential as an actor. Do you think you were sidelined by others?
I do not have any evidence. I have never complained that I had been denied opportunities. Neither will I say that in future. I was Joshy’s favorite. He gave me lots of opportunities. Once when veteran director Jijo gave an interview, he spoke high of me. This is my biggest recognition. I would never forget being specially invited to an event held in honor of Navodaya Appachan. I exist in Malayalam cinema and will continue to be here how, so ever I can be.
You had once said your greatest problem was being Thilakan’s son...
You wouldn’t get enough individual attention when you are the son of a stalwart like Thilakan. Whenever I was considered for the roles of hero or villain, the directors were skeptical whether I would be able to pull off the characters. They just saw me as the Thilakan offspring. I had such experiences even before my father was banned by the association. I really can’t say whether someone deliberately tried to take away my opportunities as I don’t have any evidence.
Do you think Thilakan would get justice from AMMA which is led by Mohanlal?
It is not necessary that things happen the way I want it to be. A very positive approach could be perceived at the first press meeting after Mohanlal became the president. He clearly realizes that the association had meted out injustice to Thilakan. He told that the matter would be considered in a positive way. Who am I to get justice for Thilakan? I just expressed some matters related to him. I believe that an organization like AMMA ought to withdraw all the actions it had taken against Thilakan, a great artist who was loved by the public. I can expect such an action only from an association whose president is Mohanlal.
Did you face any challenges when you stood with the attacked actress?
I am with her and there is no change in that. There is also no need to attribute anything else to it. I also stand by the actresses who resigned from AMMA.