New Delhi: The National Film Awards Cell, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has suspended the National Award for South Indian choreographer Jani Master. The choreographer made headlines when he was jailed after being accused of sexual assault. Jani was supposed to receive the National Award for Best Choreography for his work in Dhanush starrer Thiruchitrambalam (2022) in New Delhi on October 8.
In a statement shared by the National Film Awards Cell, the body stated that they are suspending the National Award which was to be awarded to Jani Master. They also mentioned that they have withdrawn the invite which was extended to the choreographer as investigation in the case is underway. The statement said, “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 Choreography for the Year 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film Thiruchitrambalam until further orders.”
The letter was addressed to Jani Master and continued, “Hence, the invitation extended to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the 70th National Film Awards Function to be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 8.10.24 is hereby withdrawn.” The choreographer had recently received interim bail from the court to attend the award show.
The choreographer was arrested after a 21-year-old woman accused him of sexually assaulting her over the years. The victim was a minor when the alleged offense took place. He was charged with relevant sections of the POCSO Act 2012. Additionally, a panel was also formed by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce to look into the allegations against him. He has also been asked to stay away from all events of the Jana Sena Party. He had campaigned for Pawan Kalyan’s party in the recent elections.
