Jani Master’s National Film Award for Best Choreography has been suspended following serious allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Along with the suspension of the award, his invitation to attend the prestigious National Film Awards ceremony has also been withdrawn. The decision was reportedly made by the National Film Awards Cell, who acted in response to the ongoing investigation. Singer Chinmayi Sripada took to her X account to share the official statement from the National Film Awards Cell. Jani Master Case: Rape-Accused Choreographer Granted Interim Bail From October 6 to 10 To Receive His National Award.

Choreographer Jani Master, also known as Shaik Jani Basha, was granted interim bail from October 6 to October 10 to attend the 70th National Film Awards on October 8. However, the decision to allow his attendance had faced sharp criticism, particularly from playback singer Chinmayi Sripada. She had voiced her disapproval on the micro-blogging platform, stating, “Jani Master confessed to sexually assaulting a minor. He gets bail to receive a National Award. India.” In a recent development, Chinmayi shared an official statement issued by the National Film Awards Cell, signed by Deputy Director Indrani Bose, announcing that Jani Master’s National Film Award for Best Choreography (2022) for the film Thiruchitrambalam has been suspended due to the severity of the allegations. The statement added that his invitation to the awards ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, has also been withdrawn. Check out the statement below: Jani Master Case: Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party Takes Action, Restricts Telugu Choreographer From Party Activities Following Sexual Assault Allegations.

Statement by National Film Awards Cell

Chinmayi Sripada’s Earlier Post on Jani Basha’s Interim Bail

Jani Master was arrested by Telangana Police in Goa on September 19, following accusations from a 21-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh. She alleged that he sexually assaulted her while she was working as his assistant choreographer. According to NDTV, Jani Master admitted to the sexual assault, and police revealed that the victim, who was 16 at the time, was abused multiple times over a span of four years.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2024 07:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).