Choreographer Jani Master's National Award suspended by I&B Ministry, amid rape allegations of a minor

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has revoked the National Award for Choreographer Jani Master amid sexual assault allegations. The choreographer has been under judicial custody since September 19, after he was arrested by the Telangana Cyderabad police in relation to a sexual assault case of a minor. The choreographer has applied for an interim bail in order to receive the National Award for Best Choreographer for the film 'Thiruchitrambalam'. However, following the bail order, netizens slammed the judicial system for letting out a man who confessed to sexually assaulting a minor.


The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday in a statement issued by National Film Awards Cell said that his honour has been suspended and it will be till the investigation is pending and the final accusations are decided. Additionally, his invitation to attend the 70th National Film Award at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi has been withdrawn.


The letter issued by the National Film Awards Cell read, "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 Choreographer for the Year 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film 'Thiruchitrambalam' until further orders. Hence the invitation extended to him for the 70th National Film Awards is hereby withdrawn."


Look at the letter here!

The suspension of the choreographer’s award has created quite an impact in the industry, underlining the seriousness of safe work spaces and practices.