The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation have suspended Jani, alias Shaik Jani, a famed choreographer after he was booked and arrested in sexual assault case. He is known for his work from Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise' but now his career could nosedive after he spends some time in jail. "We have suspended him as president of the dancer's union immediately after the allegations came up and it would be difficult for him to regain his lost glory. He was quite busy in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu movies and his career was happening. He even received a national award for his work," says Rajeshwar Reddy, ex-general secretary of Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation which is apex body for 24 crafts in Tollywood. "We haven't revoked his membership card since it would be decided after trial in court and subsequent decision of the court. In between, If he comes on bail, he can technically work but it will not be easy after these allegations,’ adds Reddy.
He claims that the dancer union has over 500 odd members who are able to get good work in Telugu films, unlike in the past. 'Earlier, we used to import dancers from Mumbai and Chennai and things weren't rosy for local talent. But federations consistent efforts in training and urging Telugu producers and choreographers to pick local talent, it is now paying dividends and many girls and boys are able to showcase their dancing skills in varied movies," he informs
He also claims that Jani has dented the reputation of the union which was very unfortunate. "We have over 15000 members in various crafts in our apex body but never such allegations came up against any member and surely Jani has dented his career and work momentum too," he points out.
However, director Hemanth Madhukar says his absence will not have a big impact on films. “If I have a balance song remaining with Jani Master, I’ll wait for few days or would complete the song with his assistants or I would replace him with another popular dance master,” he says and adds, “if this issue was about an actor it would have become difficult since I had to reshoot the whole portion or have to find alternative actor but we don’t know he can justice. Similarly, if it is the director of the film, then the producer would think twice about finding a replacement for him. He would be doubtful if the new director could make the film without hassles, “ he informs. “Because if there is a chartbuster and great dancing song, people would appreciate the hero or director but rarely a choreographer factored in. He is kind of unsung and behind the scene technician so his absence doesn’t halt any film,” he adds.
Summing up the repercussions and women previously raising concerns about casting couch, harassment, and discrimination, the Telugu cinema has been largely unshaken, producer-director Abhishek Nama says, “Definitely, a special cell in the film chamber is doing its best and they immediately suspended Jani when the allegations came up. Maybe, one or two complaints didn’t reach the proper channel but everything would be dealt with seriously since our woman-led panel is robust. In fact, we have asked girls to drop their complaints in a special box with some proof if required without even revealing their identity. Our panel also has few members of ‘SHE’ team to make the film industry a safer place for women,” he concludes.
