A.R. Rahman faces backlash for working with sexual harassment accused choreographer Jani Master

Last year, Jani Master was arrested in relation to a POCSO case, but she was later freed on bail.

A.R. Rahman has recently found himself at the centre of a controversy following his collaboration with choreographer Jani Master on the song Chikiri Chikiri for Ram Charan’s upcoming film Peddi.

Some members of the public are criticising the renowned composer for collaborating with Jani, who was previously charged with sexually abusing a choreographer's assistant when she was a minor.

Last year, Jani Master was arrested in relation to a POCSO case, but she was later freed on bail. When Jani posted a number of pictures of him with A.R. Rahman and Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana on November 9, the controversy reappeared.

In his post, Jani wrote, “We grew up watching and dancing to Legendary @arrahman Sir’s songs and I can’t believe I choreographed this chartbuster #ChikiriChikiri in his composition. Thank you for your kind words of support, Sir.”

We grew up watching and dancing to Legendary @arrahman Sir's songs and I can't believe I choreographed this chartbuster #ChikiriChikiri in his composition. Thank you for your kind words of support Sir 😍https://t.co/zpSXGIwoUx Grateful for the opportunity Mega Power Star… pic.twitter.com/trH47E0ZdW

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— Jani Master (@AlwaysJani) November 9, 2025

The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism online. Many users questioned Rahman for giving a professional platform to someone accused in a serious case. One user wrote, “A.R. Rahman should be called out. Being associated with anyone accused under POCSO laws shows how lightly sexual crimes are treated in India. This isn’t neutrality—it’s indifference.”

Another comment read, “It’s hard to believe he doesn’t know about the allegations.” A third person added, “Never expected this from Rahman. He stopped working with singer Karthik due to controversy but is fine collaborating with Jani? That’s hypocrisy.”

Also read: Peddi first single Chikiri promo unveiled now; Buchi Babu Sana and AR Rahman explain the song

The Cyberabad police in Goa arrested Jani Master last year, brought him to Hyderabad, and remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. According to the woman who accused him, Jani sexually assaulted her in 2020 while she was in Mumbai on business and persecuted her ever since, telling her not to speak up.

Meanwhile, Chikiri Chikiri itself has become a massive hit. Composed by A.R. Rahman, the song features vocals by either Mohit Chauhan or A.R. Ameen, depending on the language version. The song even broke records by becoming the most-viewed Indian song on YouTube within 24 hours of release.