Popular choreographer Jani Master has been reportedly arrested following sexual harassment allegations made against him by a 21-year-old former colleague. Popularly recognized for his contribution to the blockbusters Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise, Now Master has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment Spanning Several Years
The allegations come from a woman who first met Jani Master in 2017. In 2019, she took up a position to work as an assistant choreographer for him. The accuser asserts that the actual sexual abuse began when the woman was underage and drained over several years.
One particular incident is said to have happened in a hotel in Mumbai, where Master and two male dancers were accommodated during a show. The woman also said that Master threatened to beat her up if she ever lodged a complaint against him and even bullied her during photoshoots and rehearsals.
Further Accusations of Forced Conversion and Marriage
The accusations do not end there. As the woman described, Jani Master wanted her to convert and “marry” him although he already has a wife. One time, the woman said, Master and his wife you visited her room and beat her up.
Suspension and Legal Action
A few of the allegations led to the arrest of Jani Master in Bengaluru and he is likely to be brought to Hyderabad subsequently. Telugu ‘Film Chamber of Commerce’ and union of workers “have suspended” Master from their membership. Senior Actress Jhansi who chairs the panel of the Telugu Film Chamber on sexual harassment comments approved that the charges include rape related charges and criminal intimidation.
Charges as per these media reports will include provisions of the POCSO Act which relates to offences against children. The case is still being investigated and further course of action in court is on the way.
Political Repercussions
Although Jani Master is also a member of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party, which command him not to appear in any political functions of the party for a certain period of time. While there were rumors of his expulsion from the party, Master claimed not and say that he will wait and do what the leaders wanted him to do.
Broader Context: A Wave of Allegations Across the Industry
Jani Master’s arrest comes at a time when the Indian film industry has been engulfed by a wave of sexual assault allegations. The Kerala film industry has also been in the grip of multiple scandals with several actors and filmmakers including Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya, MLA M Mukesh in various cases. All of this has led to major and ongoing investigations along with consecutive political discussions.
With the developments in this case, Jani Master’s profile joins many others from the film industry who have been accused of serious sexual offenses.
