New Delhi: As the sexual assault investigation involving choreographer Jani Master continues, Ravi Shankar—the producer of the smash hit ‘Pushpa’—has stepped up to defend actor Allu Arjun. Shankar responded to questions from the media on the actor's purported involvement in the sexual assault controversy while speaking at the ‘Mathu Vadhalara 2’ success gathering.
During a recent press conference for the film ‘Mathu Vadhalara 2’, Ravi Shankar spoke to the press and said, "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.”
Ravi Shankar highlighted Arjun's work ties and questioned the intentions of those who were tying him to the assault case. “For his stature, why would he stop someone from working or promote someone else? We are all only professionally aligned to both of them,” the producer said.
As for the claims that Arjun and Sukumar would back the victim, Shankar set the record straight, saying, "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.”
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About Jani Master’s Case
Famous for choreographing the popular song ‘Srivalli’ from ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ Jani Master was detained earlier this month by Cyberabad Police from Goa on suspicion of sexual assault by a 21-year-old assistant choreographer. She said that he assaulted her for six years during outdoor shots. The accuser said in her complaint that these instances occurred in 2019, but she was afraid the choreographer would fire her if she spoke up.
This is not the first time Jani Master has faced legal trouble. Earlier this year, a dancer named Satish filed a harassment complaint against him.