Jani Master Faces TFIE Federation Boycott

The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation (TFIEF) has reportedly issued a non-cooperation call against choreographer Jani Master and his wife, Sumalatha, president of the Telugu Film & TV Dancers Association, for alleged violation of Federation norms.

“Jani is disrespecting the Federation, and that is unacceptable,” said former TFIEF general secretary Rajeswar Reddy.

Asserting that the Federation played a key role in protecting dancers’ interests after the Telugu film industry shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad, Reddy said, “Without the Federation’s support, the dancers’ community would not have managed to get better wages and opportunities.”

He warned that if Jani is signed on for a film, workers from the Federation’s 23 affiliated crafts may refuse to cooperate. The latest controversy erupted after a public clash between Jani Master and Sekhar Master at the Dancers’ Association office, exposing divisions within the Union.

Producers cry foul

Meanwhile, Jani has urged the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce to intervene, alleging that some Federation members are exploiting producers. The controversy has also revived producers’ criticism of the Telugu Film & TV Dancers Association. They allege that its rules restrict directors’ creative freedom and force filmmakers to hire only union members.

A producer said the Association’s “sharing clause” and threats of disrupting shoots have become a burden. “Such practices amount to blackmail and inflate production costs,” he added.

Demand for reforms

Telugu Film Producers Council Secretary T. Prasanna Kumar said producers should be allowed to hire dancers of their choice without unnecessary restrictions. Producer S.K. Nayeem Muddin alleged that aspiring dancers are forced to pay nearly `6 lakh for a Union card, preventing many talented youngsters from entering the industry.