Jani Master Faces Suspension Of National Award For Best Choreography Amid Allegations of Rape Of Minor

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting made the decision to suspend the National Award for Best Choreography to choreographer Jani Master, whose real name is Shaik Jani Basha. This action was taken in light of serious allegations of rape against him. Jani Master had been awarded for his work on the song "Megham Karukkatha" from the film "Thiruchitrambalam", a recognition he shared with co-choreographer Sathish Krishnan. However, the ministry has now revoked this honor due to the allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings.

The suspension of Jani Master's award was officially communicated through a letter from the National Film Awards Cell, signed by deputy director Indrani Bose. The letter stated, "In view of the seriousness of the allegation and the matter being subjudice, the Competent Authority has decided to suspend the National Film Award of the Best Choreography for the Year 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film Thiruchitrambalam until further orders." Furthermore, the invitation for Jani Master to attend the upcoming National Film Award ceremony in New Delhi on October 8 was also withdrawn.

Jani Master had been granted interim bail earlier in the week, explicitly so he could participate in the National Film Awards ceremony. His arrest came about after a woman, who worked as an assistant choreographer under him, accused him of sexual assault in 2020 during a business trip to Mumbai. She alleged continuous sexual harassment and threats from Jani Master to keep silent about the abuse.

The accusations led to Jani Master's apprehension by Cyberabad police in Goa on September 19, followed by his transport to Hyderabad. He was then presented before a city court, which ordered a 14-day judicial custody. The Narsingi Police had lodged a case against him on September 15 under various sections of the IPC, including provisions for sexual assault, threat, and bodily harm. It was later revealed that the complainant was a minor at the time of the alleged crimes, leading to the addition of charges under the POCSO Act, 2012.

The victim detailed multiple instances of sexual assault by Jani Master at different locations, including shooting sites and her home. She also claimed that he pressured her for sexual favors and even attempted to coerce her into marriage. This suspension marks a significant setback for Jani Master, once celebrated for his choreographic achievements, now facing grave legal and societal scrutiny.