Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman comes under social media criticism for working with choreographer Jani Master on Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi,’ amid past sexual harassment allegations.

After working with choreographer Jani Master on the song “Chikiri Chikiri” for Ram Charan’s next movie Peddi, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has come under fire online. Given that Jani was previously accused of sexually harassing an assistant choreographer while she was a minor, the association has caused a great deal of anger. Rahman’s action was deemed “insensitive” by numerous social media users, who also questioned his choice of collaborator.

The cooperation between Jani Master and A.R. Rahman

Jani Master announced that he had choreographed Chikiri Chikiri on November 9 by posting pictures of himself with Rahman and Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana on Instagram.

“I can’t believe I choreographed this chartbuster #ChikiriChikiri in his composition of Legendary @arrahman Sir’s songs, which we grew up watching and dancing to,” he said as the caption for the photo. I appreciate your encouraging sentiments, sir. Appreciative of the chance, Mega Power Star @alwaysramcharan #BuchiBabu Anna Sana garu @rathnaveludop Sir and the whole @peddimovieoffl film crew (emoji of a folded hand).

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Backlash on social media

Following the photographs’ online distribution, Rahman’s choice was criticized by individuals on Instagram, Reddit, and X (previously Twitter). Many questioned the discrepancy, recalling that the composer had previously declined to work with Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu, who was the target of numerous #MeToo accusations.

“It’s hard to believe that he doesn’t know about his allegations,” one Reddit user commented, while another added, “The entire film industry doesn’t give a flying f**k about sexual assault. Mari Selvaraj and Nivas recently decided to work with Vedan despite all his allegations and nobody called them out for it.”

Additional responses were, “The movie business is corrupt,” and “How is Jani any different from Vairamuthu? If ARR rejected Vairamuthu outright, why doesn’t he do the same to this PDF?”

Posing alongside a former convict. One person said, “A lot of celebrities have selective amnesia, but I really didn’t expect this from ARR.” Another person added, “So because there aren’t enough good men, we are now recycling pedophiles, rapists, and molesters?”

“Never expected this from Rahman,” said another commenter. He no longer collaborated with the gifted singer Karthik. I honor his principle. However, why does he feel so ease working with Jani? We might as well work together with Karthik. Reject hypocrisy.

For POCSO charges, wasn’t he kicked off of the Dancers Association? How is he receiving opportunities to work again, then? And I can’t understand ARR’s decision to not cooperate with Vairamuthu on an uncharged case while gleefully posing with a pedo who is out on bail,” someone else commented.

“The film industry is still feeding rapists and misogynists, and the so-called big celebrities never failed to disappoint me,” a disgruntled user continued.

In response, Chinmayi Sripaada

Rahman’s longtime partner, vocalist Chinmayi Sripaada, was accused of remaining mute on the matter, although she later explained that she had in fact spoken with him.

“I think Akka will keep quiet because it’s Rahman,” an X user wrote. One of her traits is hypocrisy! Chinmayi retaliated by saying, “Oh, please stop talking.” Sir didn’t know when I asked him. Even the chief minister and major players in the Tamil cinema industry have been criticized by me.

The case history of Jani Master

After being accused of sexual assault by a lady who had been his assistant choreographer on a 2020 work trip to Mumbai, Jani Master was taken to Hyderabad by Cyberabad police in Goa in September of last year. She further claimed that threats and harassment persisted.

In accordance with IPC sections 376(2)(n), 506, and 323, the Narsingi Police filed a complaint. The POCSO Act of 2012 was amended to include pertinent clauses once it was discovered that the complainant was a juvenile at the time of the investigation.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suspended Jani Master’s National Film Award in response to the accusations. At the moment, he is free on bail.