Shaik Jani Basha, known professionally as Jani Master is a well known choreographer of the Indian film industry. Predominantly known for his work in the Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies, the 42 year old Jani Master was arrested recently after being accused of rape by an ex-female employee, and faces potential punishment under The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

Jani Master was granted interim bail on October 3, 2024 to attend the National Film Awards ceremony in Delhi, where he was to pick up the 'Best Choreography' award for his work in the Megham Karukatha song from the Dhanush starrer Tamil movie Thiruchitrambalam (2022).

However The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has now suspended Jani Master's National Film Award, and has withdrawn the chorepgrapher's inivitation to the 70th National Film Awards ceremony. A letter signed by deputy director Indrani Bose states,

“The letter to attend National Film Award function for the year 2022 had been extended to Shri Shaik Jani Basha before the allegations of crime under POCSO Act came to light.

 

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.

 

Hence, the invitation extended to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the 70th National Film Awards Function to be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 8.10.24 is hereby withdrawn,” 

Andhra Pradesh based choreographer Jani, who also has a foothold in politics, made headlines when a now 21 year old former assistant of hi,  alleged that he forced sexual favours out of her when she was still a minor. She also accused Jani and his wife of pressuring her into conversion to Islam, so that the already married with two kids Jani could legally take his very young assistant as a second wife.

Since Jani's arrest, the choreographer's wife has denied all allegations, and has said that it was the victim who was romantically interested in her husband. Notably, the victim lodged a police complaint of her bitter experiences with the choreographer, after leaving Jani's employment, and starting a family of her own. Ironically, the victim had also worked as an assistant to Jani on the Megham Karukatha song, composed by Anirudh Ravichander.