Raghu Master Takes Over Dancers Union, Jani-Sumalatha Sidelined
According to union sources, only 116 of the association’s nearly 600 members participated in those elections, while the majority stayed away.
The ongoing internal crisis in the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA) has taken a dramatic turn, with a majority of its members reportedly electing renowned choreographer Raghu Master as the association’s new president.
A special meeting was held on August 30 at a private hotel in Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad, where a large number of dancers reportedly gathered and unanimously backed Raghu Master’s leadership. The members also rejected the executive committee headed by Sumalatha Master, alleging that several unilateral decisions had put the association’s future at risk.
Questions Over Recent By-Elections
The members supporting Raghu Master reportedly argued that the recent by-elections conducted by the existing committee cannot be considered legitimate, as they were held without following the guidance of senior industry members.
According to union sources, only 116 of the association’s nearly 600 members participated in those elections, while the majority stayed away.
350-Plus Dancers Back Raghu Master?
The group supporting Raghu Master claims that more than 350 dancers are now backing the new leadership. Several prominent Tollywood choreographers, including Sekhar Master, Ganesh Master, Bhanu Master, Prakash Master, Vijay Polaki Master, Vijay Binny Master and Srashti Varma Master, are also said to have extended their support to Raghu Master.
Jani-Sumalatha Camp Faces Opposition
The situation reportedly worsened after Jani Master and Sumalatha Master went ahead with the by-elections despite objections from sections of the membership and calls for reconciliation.
The move is said to have further deepened the divide within the association, eventually leading to the emergence of the rival leadership headed by Raghu Master.
Producers Prefer Federation-Recognized Body
Meanwhile, the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation, which has reportedly not been cooperating with the Sumalatha-led committee, is said to have urged dancers to formally recognize the newly elected committee headed by Raghu Master and extend their cooperation.
T Prasanna Kumar, secretary of the Telugu Film Producers Council, said producers would prefer to work with dancers recognized by the federation.
“Producers would like to work with dancers who are recognized by the federation since producers need all 24 crafts to make a film,” he said.
He admitted that the dancers’ dispute had unnecessarily snowballed into a major controversy that could have been avoided.
“We tried to resolve their differences a few weeks ago and Jani Master also addressed a press meet, but things went back to square one. Now, a new president has been elected,” he added.
Federation Extends Jani Master’s Suspension
Earlier, the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation had extended the suspension of choreographer Jani Master.
“We have extended his suspension for his anti-federation activities,” said Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation president Anil Vallabhaneni after a crucial meeting with members.
“The dancers union is doing things unilaterally without the consent of our federation and hence our non-cooperation against the dancers union would continue,” he added.
Federation Questions Sumalatha’s Functioning
Vallabhaneni also found fault with Sumalatha, Jani Master’s wife and president of the dancers union.
“Even in their minutes book, federation members didn’t sign. However, our support and cooperation for the other 23 unions would remain intact,” he said.
He further stressed that anti-federation activities would not be tolerated and maintained that the federation remains the apex body for cine workers.
Jani Master Could Face More Work Setbacks
A producer also warned that the ongoing dispute could have serious professional consequences for Jani Master.
“Jani Master has already lost a song in The Paradise due to the non-cooperation of federations, and he could lose further work if the new body is recognized by the federation. He could also face difficulties getting work in Bollywood or Kollywood, since the federation has affiliations with workers’ unions across India. He has to mend his ways and reunite with the federation,” the producer cautioned.
