South Indian choreographer Jani Master has recently come into limelight after being jailed on sexual harassment charges. He was to receive the National Award for Best Choreography for his contribution to Dhanush's film Thiruchitrambalam (2022) at a ceremony held in New Delhi on October 8. However, due to the ongoing investigation, the National Film Awards Cell has suspended the awards and withdrawn their invitation for the event.
The suspension follows serious allegations made by a 21yearold woman, who has accused Jani Master of sexually exploiting her for several years. It is reported that the alleged crimes took place when the victim was a minor. The choreographer has been charged under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act 2012.
In a formal statement, the National Film Awards Cell announced, “In view of the seriousness of the allegation and the pendency of the matter in the Court, the competent authority has decided to suspend the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the year 2022 to Shri Shaikh Jani Basha till further orders.” Have decided.”
Withdraw Award Invitation
The letter addressed to Jani Master further stated that his invitation to the 70th National Film Awards ceremony to be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on October 8 has also been withdrawn. “Therefore, the invitation extended to Shri Sheikh Jani Basha for the 70th National Film Awards ceremony is withdrawn,” the statement said. Although Jani Master was recently granted interim bail by the court to attend the awards ceremony, it got suddenly canceled due to the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Reactions and additional measures
In view of these serious allegations, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has constituted a panel to investigate the claims against Jani Master. Further, he has been directed to refrain from participating in all programs associated with the Jana Sena Party, for which he had campaigned during the recently held elections.
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Image Credit: Khaskhabar.