Jani Master's National Award Suspended Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
A woman, who worked as his assistant choreographer, filed a complaint stating that he had sexually assaulted her during a work trip to Mumbai in 2020.
Regarding the allegations, Jani Master was arrested by the Cyberabad police in Goa on September 19.
Choreographer Jani Master's National Award win has been reversed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
This decision was made on Friday amid serious allegations against him. Jani Master, whose real name is Shaik Jani Basha, had previously won the National Award for Best Choreography for the song "Megham Karukkatha" from the film Thiruchitrambalam.
He shared this award with fellow choreographer Sathish Krishnan.
The National Film Awards Cell issued a statement saying the award was suspended.
The letter, signed by deputy director Indrani Bose, noted that due to the serious allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings, the award for Best Choreography for 2022 would be suspended until further notice.
They also retracted Jani Master’s invitation to the National Film Award ceremony set for October 8 in New Delhi.
Notably, Jani had recently been granted interim bail to attend this ceremony.
Regarding the allegations, Jani Master was arrested by the Cyberabad police in Goa on September 19.
He was then brought to Hyderabad and placed in 14-day judicial custody.
A woman, who worked as his assistant choreographer, filed a complaint stating that he had sexually assaulted her during a work trip to Mumbai in 2020.
She alleged that he continued to harass her and threatened her not to tell anyone.
According to her, the assaults happened multiple times at various locations, including shooting spots and her own home, where he allegedly demanded sexual favors and pressured her to marry him.
