The National Film Award committee has decided to revoke the recognition that was to be bestowed upon choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, known professionally as Jani Master.
Jani Master, recognized for his choreography in the Tamil film Thiruchitrabalam, was set to receive the award for Best Choreography at the 70th National Film Awards.
The award’s cancellation, announced on October 5, 2024, comes in the wake of allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against him, which also brought his interim bail into question.
The allegations stem from a complaint filed by a former assistant who accused Jani Master of sexual assault, claiming the incidents began when she was a minor. The case not only led to Jani Master’s arrest but also prompted a backlash within the film community and among fans, leading to discussions about the unjust work environment in the entertainment industry.
Jani Master, who has choreographed for numerous hit films across South Indian cinema, including blockbusters like ‘Baahubali’ and ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ was granted interim bail to attend the awards ceremony. However, with the award now revoked, the status of this bail and his upcoming legal proceedings remain uncertain.
Also, the Janasena party, of which Jani Master was a member, distanced itself from the choreographer following the allegations of assault.