Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Raghu Master Elected Amid Telugu Dancers Union Leadership Dispute
The Telugu film dancers’ association is divided over who should lead it.
A group of members reportedly elected Raghu Master as president on August 30.
They rejected the committee led by Sumalatha Master.
They said recent by-elections were not properly supported by senior industry members.
Only 116 of nearly 600 members reportedly took part in those elections.
More than 350 dancers are said to support Raghu Master.
Industry leaders and film bodies tried to settle the disagreement, but the conflict continued.
The federation may decide which group it recognizes, and both sides still claim legitimacy.
A special meeting on August 30 reportedly elected choreographer Raghu Master president of the dancers’ association.
The Raghu-led group rejected the Sumalatha Master-led executive committee, alleging unilateral decisions harmed the association.
Supporters questioned recent by-elections, saying only 116 of nearly 600 members participated without senior industry guidance.
More than 350 dancers and several prominent Tollywood choreographers are reportedly backing Raghu Master.
The Film Industry Employees Federation is urging recognition of Raghu’s committee, while rival leadership claims remain unresolved.
- Who
- Raghu Master, Sumalatha Master, Jani Master, Telugu film-industry dancers, the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation, and other industry representatives are involved.
- What
- A group of dancers reportedly elected Raghu Master president while rejecting the Sumalatha-led committee, creating a dispute over the association’s legitimate leadership.
- When
- The reported election took place on August 30, after earlier by-elections and unsuccessful reconciliation efforts.
- Where
- The special meeting was held at a private hotel in Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad.
- Why
- Raghu Master’s supporters alleged unilateral decisions by the existing committee and questioned the validity of by-elections they said lacked senior industry guidance.
Raghu Master-led group
Sumalatha Master-led committee
Leadership legitimacy
Raghu Master-led group
The group says a special meeting backed Raghu Master and claims support from more than 350 dancers, along with several prominent choreographers.
Sumalatha Master-led committee
The Sumalatha-led executive committee remains the rival leadership, and both groups claim to represent the association’s members.
Validity of by-elections
Raghu Master-led group
Raghu Master’s supporters say the by-elections were illegitimate because senior industry guidance was not followed and only 116 of nearly 600 members participated.
Sumalatha Master-led committee
The existing committee proceeded with the by-elections despite objections and reconciliation efforts; the articles do not provide its detailed response to the criticism.
Industry recognition
Raghu Master-led group
The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation has urged dancers to recognize and cooperate with Raghu Master’s newly elected committee.
Sumalatha Master-led committee
The final position of the Film Federation and other industry bodies has not yet been announced, leaving the leadership dispute unresolved.
- Association
- Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA)
- Reported election date
- August 30
- Meeting location
- A private hotel in Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad
- Estimated membership
- Nearly 600 members
- By-election participation
- 116 members reportedly participated
- Claimed support for Raghu Master
- More than 350 dancers
- Federation position
- The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation has urged dancers to recognize Raghu Master’s committee and has continued non-cooperation with the Sumalatha-led committee
- Possible next step
- The Film Federation and other industry bodies are expected to take a formal position
