KOCHI: Capping the verbal duel that lasted for weeks, veteran actor Thilakan was Monday expelled from the apex body of Malayalam movie artistes on grounds of "indiscipline" over his outbursts against the forum and senior actors. The decision was taken at an executive meeting of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) here attended by its president Innocent and general secretary and popular actor Mohanlal.

Thilakan was suspended from the AMMA on March 1 over his "unbearable" attacks on the forum and other senior actors after he was denied a role in a film and given another chance to appear before the body. Announcing the expulsion, Innocent said Thilakan's "lifelong membership" of AMMA had been unanimously terminated for "indiscipline".

The explanation given by Thilakan for his outburst against AMMA members was not satisfactory, he said. However, Thilakan could act in films and there was no bar on AMMA members acting along with him, he said.

Thilakan, who had earlier ignored a notice asking him to present himself before the AMMA and explain his outbursts, finally appeared before it Monday. AMMA and Thilakan had been caught in a war of words for the last few weeks with charges and counter-charges from both sides, prompting several from the film and cultural field, including eminent critic and orator Sukumar Azhikode, to take up the issue.

Thilakan maintained that he had been denied a role in Mohanlal starrer ''Christian Brothers'' reportedly due to pressure from FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) and the silent backing of a superstar. AMMA had countered it and charged Thilakan with making irresponsible statements.

Thilakan, who trooped out of the meeting midway, told reporters that no "healthy" discussion took place and asserted he would not tender an apology before AMMA as he had not done anything wrong.