11 November,2025 06:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jani Master with AR Rahman
Over a year ago, popular choreographer Jani Master was accused of sexual assault by a young woman. A case was also filed against him. Now, the choreographer is once again in the news for his collaboration with music legend AR Rahman. Ever since the announcement, netizens have slammed Rahman for working with a man accused of sexual harassment. Jani Master was released on bail in the POCSO case last year.
On November 9, Jani Master took to social media to share photos with AR Rahman and Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana. The upcoming film stars Ram Charan in the lead along with Janhvi Kapoor.
He captioned the post, "We grew up watching and dancing to legendary arrahman sir's songs, and I can't believe I choreographed this chartbuster #ChikiriChikiri in his composition. Thank you for your kind words of support, sir (sic)."
Soon after the post went viral, netizens criticised AR Rahman for collaborating with Jani Master.
A user wrote, "So due to the lack of good men, we are now recycling pedophiles, rapists, and molesters?"
Another comment read, "He's getting more offers post the allegations. The industry continues to support people like him despite such actions."
A third user added, "Arjun was accused by Shruti Hariharan and he still worked with Vijay and Ajith. Nobody questioned them! Only one industry shows a spine - others don't. So I don't welcome selective criticism."
A 21-year-old woman had accused the choreographer of sexually abusing her multiple times. Jani is known for his work in major films like Stree 2, Jailer, Radhe, and Baahubali, among others.
According to reports, the woman alleged that Jani Master abused her repeatedly. The police have booked him under Sections 376(2)(n), 506, and 323 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and initiated an investigation.
As per the FIR, the woman stated that in 2019, she joined Jani Master's team as an assistant choreographer. "Whenever she travelled outside Hyderabad for shoots, her mother did not accompany her due to the unavailability of tickets and accommodation. During a project in Mumbai, she, along with Jani Master and two male assistants, stayed at a hotel, where Jani Master allegedly sexually assaulted her and threatened to fire her if she spoke about it. He continued to harass her on multiple occasions during subsequent shoots," the complaint stated.
