The Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA) saw a major leadership shift following internal conflicts involving Jani Master and Sumalatha Master. On August 30, a majority of union members convened in Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad, rejecting Sumalatha’s committee. Choreographer Raghu Master was unanimously elected as the new president, backed by key choreographers including Sekhar Master and Ganesh Master.

The conflict escalated after Jani Master and Sumalatha Master organized by-elections despite calls for mediation from industry elders, including Megastar Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna, the Film Chamber, and the Film Federation. Out of 600 total union members, only 116 participated in the controversial election, while the vast majority boycotted the process, citing arbitrary decision-making and disregard for industry guidance.

Jani Master Team’s By-Election plan destroyed by TFTDDA:

On August 30, over 350 union members held an emergency meeting at a private venue in Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad. The majority officially nullified the by-elections led by Sumalatha Master and unanimously elected prominent choreographer Raghu Master as the new President of TFTDDA to ensure stability and proper representation for all dancers.

Raghu Master’s leadership received explicit backing from several top Tollywood choreographers, including Sekhar Master, Ganesh Master, Bhanu Master, Prakash Master, Vijay Polaki Master, Vijay Binni Master, and Srishti Varma Master. The union members have formally appealed to the Film Federation to officially recognize Raghu Master’s executive committee and grant them operational authority.