Even as criticism mounts against AR Rahman and the Peddi team for working with choreographer Jani Master, his wife Ayesha — popularly known as Sumalatha — has emerged victorious in the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association elections. She has now assumed office as the President of the body.
Celebrations break out in new video shared by Jani
Jani took to social media to post a video capturing the celebratory moment. In the clip, he calls Sumalatha onstage and kisses her as supporters cheer. Both are adorned with garlands while union members applaud the win. Sumalatha appears composed and simply claps, whereas Jani greets the crowd with folded hands, thumbs up, and handshakes.While sharing the video, Jani congratulated his wife and acknowledged the backing they received from members. He wrote, “We promise to live up to your expectations and ensure that we always provide the very best for you.”Another video uploaded by Chinna Srisailam Yadav, father of Jubilee Hills MLA-elect Naveen Yadav, shows him felicitating both Jani and Ayesha — despite the election win belonging solely to her. He also mentioned that Ayesha secured her new post with a 228-vote majority.
Jani’s ongoing legal case remains in spotlight
Jani’s celebratory appearance comes even as he continues to face a POCSO case filed at Raidurgam Police Station in Hyderabad in September 2024. A former female employee accused him of sexual harassment and assault over several years when she was a minor.Jani was arrested on September 19, 2024, and was granted bail by the Telangana High Court on October 24, 2024. Following his arrest, his National Award for Best Choreography for Thiruchitrambalam was put on hold. He was also removed from the same union that has now felicitated him during his wife’s win.Even with the controversy surrounding him, Jani continued to work on major film projects in 2025. He choreographed songs for films including Game Changer, Thamma, Param Sundari, Jaat, Peddi, Love Insurance Kompany, and several others.
