'Pushpa' producer clarifies Allu Arjun's role in Jani Master case
Producer Ravi Shankar recently addressed the controversy surrounding National Award-winning choreographer Jani Master's alleged sexual assault case. During a promotional event for Mathu Vadalara 2 in Hyderabad, Shankar reportedly clarified the involvement of actor Allu Arjun and director Sukumar of Pushpa in the matter. This clarification comes after several speculations suggested that Arjun had offered professional support to the alleged 21-year-old assault victim.
'Jani Master was supposed to choreograph for 'Pushpa 2...'
When asked about Arjun and Sukumar's assurance of professional support to the alleged victim, Shankar responded, "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." He added, "Jani Master was supposed to choreograph a special number for Pushpa 2 but this happened two days before we planned it."
'Arjun has unnecessarily been dragged into it'
Shankar further 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. For his stature, why will he stop someone from working or promote someone else?" "We are all only professionally aligned to both of them." To note, Arjun, and Sukumar are currently gearing up for the release of Pushpa: The Rise, slated for December 6 release.
Master's arrest and remand
For those unaware, Master was arrested in Goa last week on charges of sexually assaulting a female colleague. He was produced in court following the victim's FIR. A city court in Hyderabad has now sent him to a 14-day remand. He is currently lodged in the Chanchalguda central prison. The Narsingi Police had registered a case under sections 376(2)(n), 506, 323 of IPC, and a relevant section of the POCSO Act, 2012.
