“There Was No Fight Between Us; We Stand United” – Johnny Master

“There Was No Fight Between Us; We Stand United” – Johnny Master
“We Are Moving Forward Based on the Majority Opinion of the General Body, Not Through Unilateral Decisions” – TFTDDA President Sumalatha

Johnny Master Donates ₹18 Lakh Towards Dancers’ Health Insurance

An event organized by the Telugu Film TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA) turned controversial after visuals involving Johnny Master and Shekhar Master went viral on social media, leading to speculation that the two had an altercation. To address these rumours, Johnny Master and TFTDDA President Sumalatha held a press conference on Monday.

Speaking at the press meet, Johnny Master said:

“We all gathered only to discuss whether or not to conduct secret ballot elections. During the meeting, we discussed several internal matters related to our association. Some clips from the meeting were circulated on social media, falsely claiming that Shekhar Master and I had a fight. Those reports are completely baseless.

Shekhar Master, Bhanu Master, and everyone in our association are good people. None of us are enemies. We always support one another.

Even Megastar Chiranjeevi garu spoke to us after watching those viral videos. Shekhar Master, Chiranjeevi garu, and I had a pleasant conversation on the sets and even had lunch together. There are absolutely no differences between us.

Chiranjeevi garu and many other heroes have always stood by us and encouraged talented choreographers and dancers. We sincerely thank him for his constant support. We are where we are today because we grew up inspired by his dance, films, and action sequences. For us, dance is synonymous with Chiranjeevi garu.

There are no differences between Shekhar Master, myself, or any other dance masters. Just like in a family, one brother may speak loudly while another speaks calmly—that doesn’t mean there’s a conflict. Whenever anyone faces a problem, we stand together.”

Johnny Master also spoke about health insurance for dancers.

“Some people questioned what I was doing for dancers. Recently, I worked only on the film Peddi and did not take up any other songs. Ram Charan sir generously contributed ₹40 lakh towards health insurance for our dancers. The total cost of providing health insurance to everyone is ₹58 lakh.

I approached several dance masters to contribute the remaining ₹18 lakh, but no one came forward. I don’t blame anyone for that. I recently received my payment from the Peddi team, and without keeping even a single rupee for myself, I am donating the entire ₹18 lakh towards the dancers’ health insurance.”

Addressing the media, TFTDDA President Sumalatha said:

“Running a large organization like TFTDDA is not an easy responsibility. Any mistake ultimately reflects on me as the President.

A significant amount of funds was allegedly misused during the previous committee’s tenure. Ever since we questioned those irregularities, attempts have been made to create problems for us. Opposition against us began after Joseph Master lost the election. Since then, certain individuals have been trying to find fault with everything we do.

We have not taken any unilateral decision. We are not conducting elections against the Federation’s wishes. Every step we are taking is completely legal.

I also request the media to be more responsible while creating thumbnails, as misleading visuals have caused unnecessary confusion.

It is true that some in-charges collect higher payments from producers but pay dancers significantly less. Once we exposed this issue, resistance against us intensified. Although the Federation is aware of these practices, it has remained silent.

After questioning our former General Secretary with supporting evidence, we suspended those responsible. They subsequently resigned. Eight Executive Committee members also resigned, although they later denied doing so.

Yesterday’s dispute involved only the General Secretary, the Treasurer, and eight Executive Committee members. My question is: why should the entire association be dissolved because of the mistakes of a few?

We simply questioned how anyone could misuse money meant for dancers. After their resignations, the remaining members unanimously stated that elections must be conducted.

Out of the 188 members who attended the General Body Meeting, more than 136 voted in favour of holding by-elections. However, the Federation has not accepted even this General Body Meeting and insists that the entire committee should be dissolved and fresh elections conducted.

Why should the entire body be dissolved because of mistakes committed by a handful of individuals? There is no rule that mandates such a step.

The controversy erupted because some claimed we had removed and boycotted them. In reality, the secret ballot was conducted only to decide whether by-elections should be held to fill the vacancies created by the resignations. However, this was falsely portrayed as though elections had already been conducted.

We seek the Federation’s support and intend to move forward only in coordination with it. We will continue to function strictly within the Federation’s rules and in accordance with the law.

The majority of members voted in favour of holding by-elections. We have no intention of acting against the Federation. Every decision we have taken reflects the majority opinion expressed in the General Body Meeting. At no point have we taken a unilateral decision.”