Jani Master, a prominent choreographer recognized for his work in blockbuster films like ‘Baahubali’ and ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, has been arrested in Goa by the Cyberabad police. The arrest stems from allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by a 21-year-old woman. The woman claims the harassment spanned several years, starting when she was a minor.
The choreographer, whose real name is Shaik Jani, will be brought to Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, after obtaining a transit warrant from a Goa court. He was taken into custody in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, and is currently being transferred to Hyderabad, according to reports released on September 19. The Cyberabad police are investigating the case, and Jani Master will be produced before a local court in Goa.
The woman’s allegations are serious and include incidents of sexual assault that allegedly occurred after she accepted a job offer as an assistant choreographer from Jani Master. She claims that the assaults happened after she joined him as an assistant choreographer, including an incident at a hotel in Mumbai, where they were staying for a show with two other male dancers.
The woman has also accused the national award-winning choreographer of threatening her with violence if she reported the matter, subjecting her to mental harassment during photoshoots and rehearsals, and pressuring her to convert and ‘marry’ him, despite being already married. She further alleges that on one occasion, both he and his wife entered her room and slapped her.
The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and a workers’ union have responded swiftly to the allegations by suspending Jani Master. Actor Jhansi, the Chairperson of the Chamber’s panel investigating the allegations, stated that the charges of rape and criminal intimidation could lead to action under the strict Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. PTI has confirmed that a case under the POCSO Act has been registered against the accused.
Beyond his work in Telugu cinema, Jani Master has also choreographed for several Bollywood movies, including ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, ‘Stree 2’, and ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’. He choreographed the popular ‘Aaj ki Raat’ song from ‘Stree 2’, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia.
Jani Master is also a member of the Janasena Party, led by Pawan Kalyan, an actor-turned-politician who now serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Following the allegations, Kalyan has requested the choreographer to stay away from party programmes.
The arrest and ongoing investigation highlight the growing attention being paid to sexual harassment and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their professional stature.
