The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation on Sunday revoked its non-cooperation order against choreographer Jani Master, just 24 hours after issuing it. The Federation said the dispute had been resolved following the intervention of Chiranjeevi and Nandamuri Balakrishna.
The controversy began within the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA) after allegations surfaced over the alleged misuse of Association funds. A section of the members resigned and levelled allegations against TFTDDA president Sumalatha, who is also Jani Master's wife. Choreographer Sekhar Master also became involved in the dispute and publicly criticised Sumalatha and Jani Master.
Following the developments, Chiranjeevi reportedly invited both Jani Master and Sekhar Master for discussions and advised them to resolve the issue by following the Federation's guidelines.
However, the dispute continued, with members demanding elections for the TFTDDA. While some sought elections only for the vacant posts created by the resignations, others demanded elections for the entire executive body. Despite the differences, both Jani Master and Sekhar Master later clarified publicly that there were no personal differences between them.
Amid the controversy, the TFTDDA issued a non-cooperation notice against Jani Master, asking members of the industry not to work with him. In response, Jani Master released a detailed statement addressing producers and explaining his stand on the allegations related to the Association's funds. The TFTDDA also announced that it had initiated the election process for the 2025–2027 executive body.
On Sunday, representatives of the Federation and various film associations met to discuss the issue. Following the meeting, the Federation announced that the dispute had been resolved and that the non-cooperation order against Jani Master had been withdrawn.
The meeting was attended by Jani Master, Dancers' Association president Sumalatha, Federation president Anil Vallabhaneni, Directors' Association representative Sai Rajesh, and Producers Council representatives Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao and Tummala Prasanna Kumar.
Addressing the media, Federation president Anil Vallabhaneni said the Federation had taken the initiative to resolve the dispute. He said Jani Master appeared before the Federation and gave a detailed explanation. After reviewing his clarification, the Federation decided to revoke the suspension imposed on him.
He also announced that all members who had earlier resigned would participate in the Dancers' Association General Body meeting on the 26th and move forward together. He added that action against the Association Secretary would also be taken in the presence of the General Body.
Anil Vallabhaneni thanked Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna, saying their timely intervention played a crucial role in resolving the issue.
Speaking after the meeting, Jani Master thanked the senior members of the industry for helping resolve the dispute. He said the Federation represents all 24 crafts of the Telugu film industry and that he had presented his explanation before it in that spirit. He expressed happiness that the matter had ended amicably and thanked Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna for their support.
Sumalatha, president of the Dancers' Association, said the recent developments had caused hardship to many dancers. She thanked the senior members of the industry for resolving the issue and expressed hope that everyone would now move forward together. She also stressed that the hard work of dancers and workers should always be respected and fairly rewarded.
