Jani Master case: Feminist alliance slams media for revealing survivor’s identity

Hyderabad: Sexual harassment allegations against dance choreographer Jani ‘master’ have shaken Tollywood. Reacting to the incident, the All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) in Telangana announced its solidarity with the survivor while criticizing sections of the media for revealing the identity of the survivor, who is a young female choreographer in the film industry. Jani Master is also a functionary in the Jana Sena party formed by actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan.

In its statement, ALIFA said, “We are aghast at sections of the media publicizing the details of the survivor/complainant. We demand that all media stop this immediately, and that action be taken against both the errant media and the perpetrator of the sexual abuse.”

ALIFA expressed shock at the way the Telugu media covered the incident, saying, “What is utterly shocking to us, especially during discussions about the culture of gender insensitivity, is the complete insensitivity and callousness of the Telugu media. Some television and YouTube channels have revealed the survivor’s name, details, and photo. Others have camped outside her home, intruding on her space and privacy, while some are using obscene thumbnails to attract viewers. It is no secret that Telugu television channels are extremely misogynistic in their portrayal of women, repeatedly hounding women for visiting pubs. A lack of accountability mechanisms has led to this scenario, but we had hoped that the discussions following the Justice Hema Committee and the RG Kar hospital protests would have led to more sensitivity.”

Media driven by sensationalism

ALIFA further stated, “Unfortunately, a large portion of Telugu social and television media seems to be driven purely by sensationalism, with complete disregard for the survivor’s privacy. Media should focus on the accused and his behavior, how he used his age, profile, and possible support from influential individuals. Instead, their misogynistic approach is leading them to hound the survivor. The fact that she is young and under tremendous distress seems to have escaped their attention, as well as the fact that the abuse began when she was a minor. Probing these aspects would help us understand the environment that allows such abuse.”

ALIFA advised the media to create an environment where women survivors feel safe to continue their daily lives. “Instead, the Telugu social and television media are once again playing the game of naming and shaming the survivor.”

ALIFA also added, “The Telugu film and television industries are notorious for their misogynistic portrayal of women and sexual exploitation. Television channels have been reported to the National Broadcasting Corporation multiple times for their anti-women and anti-sexual minorities programming. Sri Reddy’s protest in 2018 motivated many female artists to share their stories of exploitation in the TFI in the name of ‘commitment contracts,’ but due to a lack of support from the industry, no police complaints were filed. The High-Level Committee (HLC) set up in 2019 to investigate sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the industry provided recommendations in 2022. In light of the Justice Hema Committee’s report on the Malayalam film industry, the HLC’s recommendations are now being discussed.”

Jana Sena urged to remove Jani from the party

ALIFA hailed the complaint against Jani Master as historic, considering his role as a functionary in the Jana Sena party. ALIFA stated, “The complaint filed by a young female choreographer against the well-established senior choreographer Jani Master, who is also a Jana Sena party functionary, for sexual abuse and assault, is historic. Given the long history of silence on this issue, this is a courageous step that could pave the way for more women to come forward. We welcome the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce’s strong stance on the matter, as expressed in today’s press conference, affirming their commitment to creating a safe environment for survivors to work. We hope this is the beginning of long-awaited reforms in the Telugu film industry.”

ALIFA also welcomed the Jana Sena Party’s suspension of Jani Master and suggested his permanent removal from the party.