Jani Master accuser was denied work, sexually harassed, claims Telugu Film Chamber Of Commerce

    The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has launched a formal investigation into sexual harassment allegations against prominent choreographer Jani Master.

    Jani Master has been accused of rape.

    Jani Master has been accused of rape.

    The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) is investigating serious allegations of sexual harassment against popular choreographer Jani Master. The case, currently under investigation by both the police and the TFCC, is being led by a special committee chaired by actress Jhansi.

    Over the past few weeks, the panel has been meticulously gathering evidence, including statements from both the victim and Jani. In her initial remarks, Jhansi highlighted the severity of the situation: "The last two weeks the committee has been probing this case. What started as a media report soon turned into a formal complaint with the chamber. The victim is very young and vulnerable, and we need to keep in mind the power dynamics at play— the accused (Jani) holds a significant position of authority in the industry."

    The panel has been especially sensitive to the complex relationship between the victim's age and the accused’s influence. According to Jhansi, the victim had been working in the film industry since she was a minor, which adds to the gravity of the allegations. "When we spoke to her, it became clear this wasn’t just about harassment at the workplace. The situation extended over a prolonged period under the guise of preferential treatment, which made it more grievous," Jhansi noted.

    Before filing the complaint with the TFCC, the victim initially reached out to media outlets to share her story. Certain media organizations advised her to approach the film chamber for official intervention. "At first, the issue appeared to be about a lack of work opportunities for the victim," Jhansi explained. "The TFCC even wrote to the dancers' union, recommending they resolve her employment concerns, which they did. But when I spoke to her, the truth emerged—her difficulty in finding work was directly linked to the harassment she faced."

    The investigation has now focused on both the nature of the harassment and the extended timeline, considering that the victim was a minor when the alleged incidents began. The panel continues to review the evidence carefully as they move forward with the probe. 

    Jhansi noted that the panel has 90 days to submit their findings. However, she expressed confidence in completing the investigation well before the deadline. "We are on a fast track," she said.