The Telugu Film Federation has imposed a non-cooperation order against renowned choreographer Jani Master, directing all its affiliated crafts to avoid working on any film involving him until further notice.
Federation’s Decision and Scope
According to the Federation, all 23 affiliated crafts have been instructed to stay away from projects featuring Jani Master. Producers across the industry will also be officially informed about this decision.
The action comes after allegations that Jani Master violated the Federation’s rules and regulations and was involved in activities considered anti-union.
Dancers Association Internal Conflict
The controversy stems from an ongoing internal conflict within the Tollywood Dancers Association, which has reportedly split into two groups: one supporting Jani Master and the other backing Shekhar Master.
The disagreement has been escalating over the demand for elections. While one faction is pushing for by-elections to fill vacant posts, the opposing group is demanding that the entire executive committee be dissolved and fresh elections be conducted.
Jani Master‘s wife, Sumalatha, currently serves as the President of the Dancers Association. The association originally had 16 Executive Committee (EC) members. However, after Sumalatha suspended the General Secretary and Treasurer, eight more EC members resigned, alleging dissatisfaction with her leadership.
Despite the resignations, Sumalatha decided to conduct by-elections for the vacant positions. However, the resigned members continue to insist on a complete dissolution of the executive committee followed by full-fledged elections.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Order
The dispute reached another level on July 12, when a heated argument reportedly took place between Jani Master and Shekhar Master over the election issue.
Following the incident, the Telugu Film Federation summoned Jani Master on July 14 to explain his role in the controversy. However, he did not appear before the Federation.
Expressing strong displeasure over his absence, the Federation issued a show cause notice to Jani Master on July 17, directing him to submit a written explanation within seven days.
The Federation also warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time could result in his permanent expulsion. Federation leaders have reportedly expressed serious concern over what they describe as unilateral decisions taken by Jani Master while allegedly using his wife’s position in the association to influence matters.
The choreographer, who has worked on several high-profile projects including Ram Charan’s upcoming film Peddi, now faces industry-wide isolation unless the matter is resolved. Similar industry disputes have seen intervention from senior filmmakers in the past, as witnessed during previous association controversies.