Innocent: 12 years, not out!

Veteran comedian of Malayalam cinema, Innocent, made a record of sorts when he was elected the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) for the fifth time, thereby occupying the prestigious post for the 12th consecutive year.
Innocent recollects that it was actor Sreenivasan who approached him many years ago, suggesting that he take up the post.���When Sreenivasan came up with the idea, I was surprised. I informed him that I was not all that educated and I had never discussed anything serious with anybody till then. All I knew was how to make people laugh. But he insisted that I will be able to manage the role with ease,��� says Innocent. That gave him the much needed confidence.
After being the president for three years (the elections take place once every three years), Innocent admits he wanted to opt out and let somebody else take up the responsibility, lest people label him ���power hungry.���. But he was voted back in place.
During the recently concluded elections for the same post, Innocent tells us, ���I had approached actor Madhu. I was confident that he would be able to manage the association. But he opted out and I got back into the run for another three years.���
The actor considers the fact that he can treat everyone equal as his biggest strengths ���I speak my mind fearlessly. And when I speak, people listen to me,��� he says. However, he adds, ���Some time, I would love to be one among the audience and criticise those on board. I look forward to that when somebody else takes over.���
Innocent, who was a Municipal Counsellor almost 30 years ago, says it���s easier to manage artistes. ���They don���t have hidden agendas and vested interests. All that they are concerned about is how to perfect their roles and be in the limelight as it is a fleeting career. They are easier to be managed than politicians.���
We love him because...
Kadhal Sandhya: Innocent is a very friendly and approachable person ��� not just to artistes but also to other associations in the industry. He has the ability to talk and solve any issue in an amiable way. For instance, when I had an issue regarding my payment for one of my movies, I had approached AMMA and Innocent was the president then. Fortunately, within a few days, I received the amount from the producers through the association. Everybody is comfortable interacting with him. We need a person who can handle almost everything and everybody, and he is the right person.
Meera Nandan: Innocent has got all the qualities to be a leader. He has also got the capability to manage the association, which is a huge platform of many artistes. If there is any issue between two parties, he is smart enough to handle it and solve it before it goes out of control.