Steps to convert the Malayalam movie artistes’ forum (AMMA) to a trade union have begun. The Association President and actor Innocent said consultations with legal experts were being held now for this purpose.

The AMMA general body meeting held at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday has also taken decision on three issues: It has agreed to extend the monthly financial aid to 7 more ex-film artistes bringing the total beneficiaries to 54. Stars must give a small portion of their earnings for the AMMA, it was decreed. The issue involving actor Dileep and MACTA to be sorted out and senior actor Thilakan to be approached with a request to desist from provocative statements.

Almost all top stars barring Mohanlal were present. The meeting had witnessed some ruckus but Innocent’s forceful intervention averted clashes. A section of the members’ body wanted stringent action against Thilakan who is in clash with superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal and character actor Nedumudi Venu. However, the meeting decided not to rake up the issue and settle the matter amicably.

The yesteryear artistes who are living in poverty and penury will get a monthly hike of Rs.2500 in place of Rs.2000 they get now. Seven more are added to the list. Actor Dileep whose issue had caused a split in technicians body (MACTA) has handed over the advance sum Rs.50,000 to AMAA to be returned to director Thulasidas who had complained to MACTA that Dileep was trying to exert pressure on producer of a proposed film to remove director. Thulasidas said Dileep had taken Rs.50,000 in advance to do the film but is now working against the director. The issue resulted in a personality clash between the president and the secretary of the MACTA resulting in a split. A new technicians’ body has now been formed.