Choreographers showing stars to Producers

Choreographers shocking Producers. The recent controversy involving star choreographers Jani and Sekhar exposed the internal differences.

Throwing more light, a producer on anonymity shared, "If I'm making a film featuring college students, I'm forced to hire 30-year-old dancers from the union because of the restrictions imposed by the Telugu Film & TV Dancers Association. Such curbs affect a director's creativity. Federations should encourage creative freedom, not restrict it."

He continued, "Despite the Competition Commission of India's directive allowing producers the freedom to hire skilled workers of their choice, filmmakers continue to face practical hurdles on the ground. The "sharing clause' in the agreement with the dancers' association, under which producers are allegedly required to hire an equal number of local dancers and dancers from Mumbai or Chennai."

He added, "The association has repeatedly promised to remove this clause, but it has not happened. It only adds to our production costs."

He alleged, "If producers don't hire dancers from the union, there are threats that film shoots will be stalled. That amounts to blackmail."

He reveals, "If we hire dancers from Hyderabad, we need one coordinator. If we also engage dancers from Chennai, we are forced to appoint another coordinator for the same work. It is an unnecessary financial burden."

Prasanna Kumar urged, "The association should stop demanding higher payments at the last minute by taking advantage of a producer's fear that shooting may be disrupted. Producers should also be allowed to hire local dancers while shooting in places like Bangkok or Europe instead of being compelled to use only union cardholders."

He added, "Producers are deprived of creative choice because they are forced to use the same dancers again and again. We have urged the federation to take action against members indulging in corrupt practices."

Producer SK. Nayeemuddin says, "Hyderabad dancers are drawing higher wages than dancers in Mumbai and Chennai. The union should refund the excess money collected from producers for double coordinators and other charges to help reduce production costs."

He alleged, "There are hundreds of talented young dancers in the market, but they are reportedly required to obtain a union card costing nearly ₹6 lakh before they can get work. As a result, many genuinely skilled dancers are deprived of opportunities."

Choreographer Basheer says, "Very few people know this. Just because Sandeep Master was issued a dance master's card, allegations are now being made against Jani Master and his wife, Sumalatha."

He concluded, “We need more dance masters, and everyone should be allowed to work. Why should only Jani Master, Sekhar Master, and Ganesh Master continue to dominate? More choreographer cards should be issued so that talented people can also earn a livelihood.”

- Pramod Nandivada