Sandip Soparrkar
The recent allegations against prominent National Award winning, Telugu choreographer, Jani Master, have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, raising important discussions about sexual harassment, accountability, and the systemic issues that allow such behaviour to persist in Indian cinema. Known for his work on several hit films and his collaboration with top actors, Jani Master’s reputation is now under scrutiny as he faces serious accusations of sexual assault.
Jani Master was arrested from a hotel in Goa, police officials said the choreographer was staying at the hotel to avoid arrest but they managed to track him down, he will be produced before a court in Hyderabad soon. Police also confirmed that the master was missing and had switched his phone off in a bid to delay his arrest. Master’s wife Sumalatha alias Ayesha who is also a choreographer, however, said there was no truth in the allegation and claimed that there was “larger conspiracy behind the complaint.”
The allegations and initial reports
The case came to public attention when a young female dancer, whose identity has been kept anonymous for her safety, accused Jani Master of raping her during a professional encounter. The allegations were first reported on social media, with the survivor sharing her story through a detailed post. In the post, she claims that Jani Master had been harassing her for some time and that the abuse escalated to rape during a recent film shoot.
According to her, the incident took place in a hotel room where she had gone under the assumption of discussing a potential dance opportunity with the renowned choreographer. What transpired, however, was far from a professional meeting. She alleges that Jani Master manipulated and coerced her into the room and then raped her, leaving her traumatized and fearful of the repercussions that might follow if she spoke out.
Following her public statement, several other individuals from the film industry, particularly women, have started to share their own experiences of inappropriate behaviour and harassment in the workplace. While these accounts do not directly implicate Jani Master, they paint a picture of a wider problem of unchecked misogyny and sexual harassment in the entertainment sector.
Public outcry and industry reactions
The allegations have sparked an intense response from the public and within the film industry. Fans of Jani Master, who has choreographed for big-name actors like Allu Arjun and NTR Jr., are divided. Some are standing by him, calling the allegations false and defamatory, while others have expressed disappointment and are calling for a thorough investigation. Within the industry, reactions have been more muted. Several prominent actors and filmmakers have refrained from making public statements, either out of fear of backlash or reluctance to jeopardize their professional ties. However, some female actors and professionals have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the survivor and have called for an unbiased investigation into the claims.
Social media platforms, especially Twitter and Instagram, have become battlegrounds for debates, with the hashtag #MeToo resurfacing in India. Supporters of the survivor have urged others to believe her story, while others have questioned the timing of the accusations, suggesting that this might be an attempt to extort money or defame Jani Master.
Legal proceedings and investigation
The legal aspects of the case are still unfolding. Shortly after the allegations surfaced, the survivor filed an official complaint with the police, and an investigation was launched. Jani Master, through his legal team, has vehemently denied all the charges. His lawyer has described the accusations as baseless and has claimed that the survivor is attempting to malign his client’s reputation for personal gain.
At this stage, the investigation is ongoing, with both parties cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The police have reportedly gathered evidence from the hotel where the alleged incident took place and are in the process of interviewing potential witnesses, including members of the film crew who were present during the shoot.
It is important to note that in India, sexual assault cases are often prolonged due to the complexity of legal proceedings and the burden of proof placed on survivors. This case is expected to take time before reaching a conclusion, and until then, the public discourse around it continues to rage on.
Sexual harassment in the Indian entertainment industry
While the allegations against Jani Master are still being investigated, they have reignited conversations around the prevalence of sexual harassment in the Indian entertainment industry. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in India in 2018, saw several women come forward with their stories of abuse at the hands of powerful men in Bollywood and other regional film industries.
High-profile figures such as directors, actors, and producers were named in these accusations, and though some faced legal or professional consequences, many cases were brushed aside or settled behind closed doors. The film industry, like many other male-dominated fields, has long been plagued by systemic sexism and harassment. Women, particularly those in junior or vulnerable positions such as dancers, assistants, and junior actors, often face exploitation and intimidation.
In many cases, the fear of losing work, being blacklisted, or facing public humiliation keeps survivors from speaking out. Organizations such as the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) and the Screenwriters Association (SWA) have tried to introduce mechanisms to protect women in the industry, including setting up committees to address complaints of harassment. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable, as many survivors feel that the power dynamics in the industry make it nearly impossible for them to get justice.
The importance of accountability
The Jani Master case, regardless of its outcome, is a reminder that sexual harassment and assault are deeply entrenched problems in the Indian entertainment industry, as they are in many other sectors. While there has been progress in terms of awareness, more needs to be done to ensure that survivors feel safe and supported in coming forward with their experiences. Accountability is key in addressing these issues. Whether it is through the court of law, industry bodies, or public pressure.
Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder,
a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three
National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award
by the Government of India. He can be contacted on sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com
