Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan and the Cine Dancers’ Association (CDA) have accused choreographer Ganesh Acharya of forming a rival association, All India Film Television Events Dancers Association (AIFTEDA), and poaching dancers belonging to the CDA. Khan has also claimed that Acharya does not pay dancers the rates fixed by the CDA but less than that. She has also said that Ganesh Acharya has shown no interest in a truce.
However, Acharya has denied that he owes allegiance to the AIFTEDA. He says that the dancers who broke away from the CDA want to return but only after fair elections and assurance of fair wages. Ganesh explains that the CDA was shut down six months ago following a legal dispute dating back to 2018. He adds, “Three months ago, some members reopened it without presenting court orders to do so, and filled up posts without elections.”