Dance Union Chief Dinesh issues clarification amid assault allegations

Dance Master Dinesh, who currently heads the Tamil Nadu Film, Television Dancers and Dance Directors Union, has broken his silence over recent controversies surrounding his leadership. He has been under fire from a section of union members for allegedly not addressing key issues, including serious accusations against the union’s former president Mari and a reported ₹35 lakh payment dispute involving dancers who performed in the film 'Leo.' Critics claim that Dinesh failed to take action because of personal ties and has remained indifferent to several internal complaints.CCTV footage sparks internal conflictOne of the loudest voices against Dinesh has been Gauri Shankar, a dancer based in Karnataka, who claims that Dinesh ignored multiple appeals for justice. According to reports, Gauri visited the union office in Chennai this March and was allegedly assaulted by Dinesh and a few members. A CCTV clip related to the incident later surfaced online, sparking division within the union. In response, an emergency general body meeting led by the union's vice president passed a resolution demanding that Dinesh step down and not contest future elections, leading to tense confrontations between rival factions.Dinesh speaks out, says allegations are misleadingIn his defense, Dinesh explained his version of events, asserting that the situation was being misrepresented and blown out of proportion. Speaking to the media, he said that Gauri Shankar had settled in Karnataka over 25 years ago and no longer participated in the local dance scene. Dinesh stated that Gauri, influenced by outsiders, unfairly branded him an unfit leader through WhatsApp voice notes, which he found deeply upsetting.“No assault took place,” says DineshDinesh further added that when Gauri unexpectedly arrived at the union office during a rehearsal, a verbal spat escalated into minor physical pushing. He denied orchestrating any violence and said the CCTV footage was selectively edited. According to him, no police complaint was filed due to practical difficulties, and the issue is now being exaggerated for personal agendas.