- By Ridhi Suri
- Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:27 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
During the promotion of Mathu Vadalara 2 in Hyderabad, producer Ravi Shankar faced questions regarding the involvement of director Sukumar and actor Allu Arjun in the alleged assault case against choreographer Jani Master. He firmly dismissed any speculations linking the duo to the controversy. Jani Master has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act for allegedly assaulting a woman when she was still a minor.
When questioned about whether Sukumar and Allu Arjun had offered professional support to the alleged victim, Ravi Shankar stated, "Whatever happened between the girl and Jani Master is personal to them. She was hired long back as an additional choreographer for our film and will remain throughout the filmmaking process. Jani Master was supposed to choreograph a special number for Pushpa 2, but this happened two days before we planned it."
"Hero (Allu Arjun) isn’t bothered about who’s on set other than wishing them good morning and following the steps he’s given. He has unnecessarily been dragged into it. For his stature, why will he stop someone from working or promote someone else? We are all only professionally aligned to both of them," he added.
Allu Arjun and Sukumar became involved in the controversy when actress Jhansi, representing the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, addressed the media last week, saying, "I want to assure that the Telugu film industry stands united on this issue. It might seem like no one is speaking up for her publicly, but she has been assured work by a big director, at least two producers, and a big hero behind the scenes. The industry will always support talent."
Meanwhile, according to PTI, choreographer Jani Master was arrested in Goa and brought to court last week following allegations of sexually assaulting a female colleague. After she filed an FIR, he was taken into custody, and a city court in Hyderabad has since placed him in a 14-day remand. According to police sources, he is currently housed in Chanchalguda Central Prison. On September 15, the Narsingi Police registered a case under Sections 376(2)(n), 506, and 323 of the IPC, along with a relevant provision of the POCSO Act, 2012.
