Jani Master’s Dark Secrets Exposed: Sexual Assault Claims Telugu, Tamil Cinema and Beyond

Jani Master’s Dark Secrets Exposed: Sexual Assault Claims Telugu, Tamil Cinema and Beyond

Choreographer Jani Master, whose real name is Shaik Jani Basha and who is known for his work in Telugu and Tamil cinema, has been accused of sexual harassment by a 21-year-old woman. This claim has sent shockwaves through the film industry and beyond.

The woman, who has also worked in Kannada and Hindi films, filed a complaint with the police in Rayadurgam, Telangana. The complaint, now officially recorded as a ‘zero FIR’—a report that can be transferred to the relevant jurisdiction—details multiple instances of assault, including an incident at a Mumbai hotel.

The police are currently trying to get in touch with the woman to get a comprehensive statement, but she has been “unreachable,” according to Chief Inspector Krishna Reddy. The woman’s account describes meeting Jani Master at an event in 2017. Two years later, he offered her a job as an assistant choreographer, which she accepted. The alleged assaults began after this job offer, with one incident reportedly occurring during a stay in Mumbai.

In her complaint, the woman said her mother would have customarily accompanied her on such trips but was alone this time due to ticket availability issues. She claims Master not only assaulted her but also threatened her to keep quiet and continued to harass her during shoots. Additionally, she alleges that Master coerced her into converting to his religion and coerced her into a pseudo-marriage.

The woman further alleges that Master would frequently summon her to his office, where he would assault her while threatening to sabotage her career if she resisted. The complaint also includes disturbing claims of Master and his wife forcibly entering her home and assaulting her.

Also Read| Actor Nivin Pauly and Producer AK Sunil Face Sexual Assault Allegations Amid Industry Scandal

In response to the allegations, actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party, which is part of the BJP-led alliance, has instructed Master to stay away from party events. Master, a member of the Jana Sena, has stated that he has not been expelled and has no issues with this directive from the party leadership.

This case adds to a troubling wave of allegations within the film industry. In Kerala, the release of a partially redacted judicial report has sparked a flood of accusations against prominent actors and filmmakers. High-profile figures like actors Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya, Mukesh, and Siddique are facing various charges, with investigations ongoing. These individuals have denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.”

The situation in Kerala’s Mollywood film industry has led to dramatic revelations, including claims of abuse and coercion. Actor Sowmya has publicly stated that she was “groomed as a sex slave” by a Tamil Nadu director. This has further fueled a political clash between the ruling CPIM and opposition parties.

Additionally, Congress has faced criticism following a claim by Simi Bell John, a state leader, about the existence of a ‘casting couch’ within the party. The claim has been denied, and John was expelled for allegedly “colluding with political rivals.”

These developments have spotlighted not only the film industry but also political institutions, revealing a complex web of allegations and responses that continue to unfold.