Former Telugu Film Theatre Digital Dealers Association (TFTDDA) president and choreographer SK Janibasha has issued an open letter to Telugu film producers, alleging large-scale corruption within the dancers' union and accusing Federation leaders of protecting those involved instead of supporting disciplinary action.
In the letter dated July 17, 2026, Janibasha stated that producers are the backbone of the Telugu film industry and deserve the utmost respect as they provide employment to thousands of workers despite challenges like piracy, theatre shortages and rising financial pressures. He stressed that every film worker has a responsibility to safeguard producers' interests.
According to Janibasha, the current leadership of the dancers' union, headed by president V.V. Sumalatha Devi, identified irregularities involving certain programme in-charges who allegedly submitted illegal bills to production houses and misappropriated money meant for dancers. He claimed that the union suspended several members, removed its General Secretary and decided to conduct by-elections after disciplinary proceedings.
However, Janibasha alleged that the Federation opposed these decisions and pressured the union to reinstate suspended members. He further claimed that during a Federation General Council meeting held on July 16, some members reportedly dismissed the alleged financial irregularities by saying the money belonged to producers and that the issue should be ignored. He also accused Federation leaders of remaining silent over such remarks.
The former TFTDDA president further alleged that Federation officials threatened the dancers' union with "non-cooperation," boycott and cancellation of membership if it refused to comply with their directives. He also claimed that union president Sumalatha Devi, being a woman, was subjected to unfair treatment while attempting to expose corruption within the organisation.
Appealing directly to Telugu film producers, Janibasha urged them to intervene and ensure that the Federation does not interfere in the internal affairs of the dancers' union. He requested that the union be allowed to conduct its by-elections independently and take strict action against those accused of corruption, reiterating that the welfare of producers and dancers remains the union's foremost priority.
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