Malayalam actor Mohanlal appeared in public for the first time today, August 31, just days after resigning as the president of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). He broke his silence on the findings of the Hema Committee report, which exposed cases of sexual harassment against women in the Malayalam film industry, and urged everyone to “not destroy the industry”.

“We request you not to put all the focus on AMMA. Investigations are underway. Please don’t destroy the industry,” Mohanlal said on Saturday, according to an ANI report.

Veteran actor Mohanlal had quit AMMA on August 27Citing moral responsibility after allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against some members of the governing body of the association, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar said …

He told the media, “We welcome the Hema Committee report. It was the right decision of the government to release that report. AMMA cannot answer all the questions. These questions should be asked of everyone. This is a very hard-working industry. Many people are involved in it. But everyone cannot be blamed for this. Those responsible will be punished, investigations are underway.”

He assured that all the “issues” are being looked into and investigated. “We will cooperate in the investigation process. We are here only to set things right. I am not aware of any such powerful group. I am not a part of it. I have not read the Hema Committee report,” he said.

The Hema Committee report, which alleged sexual exploitation and harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry, has sparked widespread outrage, with several celebrities speaking out about their own experiences of harassment and abuse.

“If you ask why we have all left our posts (AMMA) now, the answer is that the entire Malayalam film industry is accountable. The report has highlighted not just one issue but several issues. What they really are, you know better than me,” a report in Mathrubhumi quoted the actor as saying.

Not just Mohanlal, but the entire governing body of the Malayalam industry has resigned from their posts. The statement issued by the association said, “We hope that AMMA will get a new leadership that will reshape and strengthen the association. Thank you to everyone for the criticism and improvement.”

The association also informed everyone that a general body meeting will be called within two months to elect a new governing body.