Prominent Telugu choreographer Jani Master, known for his work on blockbuster films such as Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise, has been arrested in connection with serious allegations of sexual harassment. The arrest follows a complaint by a 21-year-old woman, who has accused Master of sexual assault over several years, including when she was a minor.
The woman alleges that she first encountered Master in 2017 and began working as his assistant choreographer two years later. According to her complaint, the harassment began soon after she accepted the job. The alleged assaults reportedly occurred at various locations, including a hotel in Mumbai where Master and the woman, along with two other male dancers, were staying during a show.
In addition to the sexual assault claims, the woman has accused Master of threatening her with physical violence should she file a complaint. She also alleges that he subjected her to mental harassment during photoshoots and rehearsals. The accusations extend to claims that Master forced her to convert and “marry” him despite being married, and that both he and his wife physically assaulted her on one occasion.
Jani Master, who has been suspended by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and a workers’ union, was initially detained in Bengaluru and will be transferred to Hyderabad for further proceedings. The case has garnered significant attention, with actor Jhansi, Chairperson of the Chamber’s sexual harassment probe panel, stating that the allegations fall under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) due to the nature of the complaints.
The Jana Sena Party, of which Jani Master is a member, has directed him to stay away from its political events during this period. Despite rumors of his expulsion from the party, Master has stated that he remains compliant with the party’s instructions.
This development comes at a time of heightened scrutiny within the South Indian film industry, particularly in Kerala, where similar allegations have surfaced against several high-profile actors and filmmakers. The ongoing controversies have sparked a broader conversation about sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry, leading to intensified political and social debates.
Sources By Agencies
