Here's everything you need to know about 'Stree 2' choreographer, Shaik Jani Basha, aka Jani Master, who is accused of molesting a woman when she was 16.
Shaik Jani Basha, better known as Jani Master, is one of the biggest choreographers in the South Indian film industry. Although he has worked predominantly in Tamil and Telugu cinema, he has also made his mark in Kannada and Hindi cinema with his choreography. Jani Master is among the few professional and esteemed choreographers in India who are brilliant in both western and classical dance styles. Despite being born into a middle-class family and having no connections in the film industry, Jani Master has become a popular name in the showbiz industry.
Jani Master was born on July 2, 1982, in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore. There is not much information about his family background and education in the public domain. Talking about his journey in the film industry as a choreographer, he began his career as a dancer in Telugu films. He received a major push when he appeared in ETV's Telugu dance reality show, Dhee. Courtesy of his impressive performance in the dance reality show, Jani Master got the opportunity to work in the film, Drona.
Jani Master choreographed the three songs, Yem Maa Chesavo, Voddantana Voddantana, and Vennela Vaan, from the film, Drona. The film featured renowned stars, Nithiin and Priyamani, who aced Jani Master's choreography, which instantly caught the attention of other producers and directors. In the same year, Jani Master choreographed songs for two major films, Rechipo and Agyaat.
In the following years, Jani Master worked with a series of famous Indian cinema stars. In 2010, he got the chance to work with critically acclaimed director, SS Rajamouli in his film, Maryada Ramanna (2010). His career received a major push when he choreographed the song, Dillaku Dillaku, in the film, Racha, featuring Ram Charan and Tamannaah Bhatia. In the following years, he danced with many renowned stars like N.T. Rama Rao, Allu Arjun, Aadi, Venkatesh, Manchu Manoj, Sundeep Kishan, on his tunes.
Courtesy of his growing aura in the South Indian cinema, he joined hands with Bollywood superstar, Salman Khan back in 2014 for the film, Jai Ho. Jani Master choreographed the song, Photocopy, in which we saw Salman dancing alongside Daisy Shah. In the following years, he choreographed several songs.
Some of Jani Master's biggest hits include Mee Intiki Mundhu, Dillaku Dillaku, Laila O Laila, Cinema Choopista Maava, Temper Title Track, Guleba, Rowdy Baby, Megam Karukkatha, Feel the Power, Megam Karukkatha, Seeti Maar, Boota Boma, Do You Know, Laal Peeli Akhiyaan, and Kaavaalaa. Jani Master received a lot of love when he proved the mettle of his choreography with his work in the songs, Aaj Ki Raat and Kati Raat.
On September 11, 2024, a case was registered against the National Award-winning choreographer, Jani Master, at the Raidurgam station. The woman accused the ace choreographer of allegedly raping and harassing her physically and mentally. The 21-year-old woman shared shocking details in her complaint as she mentioned that the crime took place when she was just 16.
The alleged victim also added that she was offered the job of an assistant choreographer in Jani Master's team, but soon, he started asking for sexual favours from her. She further added that Jani Master assaulted her in a Mumbai hotel and told her that if she would inform anyone about this, she's not going to get any work in the industry.
According to Narsingi police station, they're investigating the claims, and there is a chance that the famous choreographer, Shaik Jani Basha, aka Jani Master could end up being charged under the POSCO Act. So far, there's no reaction from Jani Master and his team on social media. While the incident has shocked the entire film industry, people are once again talking about the safety of women in India. As soon as the news broke on the internet, Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce announced that they'd expelled Jani Master over the alleged sexual charges.
What are your thoughts on the controversy around Jani Master? Let us know.
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