Durgesh Thapa's Masterni Promotional Song Sparks Outrage, Confederation of Nepalese Teachers Demand Immediate Withdrawal

 

Kathmandu. Controversy has erupted over the promotional song of the upcoming Nepali film Masterni, with the Confederation of Nepalese Teachers demanding that the song be withdrawn immediately, alleging that it demeans female teachers and undermines the dignity of the teaching profession.

The song, performed by Durgesh Thapa and Babina Kiratee, features actors Priyanka Karki, Aaryan Sigdel, Ayushman Joshi, and Durgesh Thapa himself. While the video has attracted significant views on YouTube, it has also triggered widespread criticism across social media, with many viewers accusing the creators of relying on vulgarity and double meanings to generate publicity.

The controversy has now extended beyond online criticism, taking on a legal and institutional dimension after the country's umbrella organization of teachers formally objected to the content.

Confederation of Nepalese Teachers Issues Warning

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Confederation of Nepalese Teachers urged the filmmakers to immediately stop using the promotional song and remove it from the film.

The statement, jointly signed by Confederation President Laxmi Kishor Subedi and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa, stated that the song contains inappropriate words and expressions targeting female teachers, seriously harming the dignity of teachers and the teaching profession.

The  Confederation also warned that if the song continues to be used, the producers and artists involved would themselves be responsible for any "uncomfortable consequences" that may arise.

'Learning Math' or an Obscene Double Meaning?

The primary source of controversy is a lyric that the creators claim refers to "learning math." However, many listeners argue that the pronunciation closely resembles a commonly used obscene Nepali curse.

Social media users have alleged that the wording was intentionally designed to create controversy and go viral rather than being an accidental similarity. Many have commented that, regardless of repeated listening, the phrase consistently sounds like an offensive curse.

As a result, lyricist and composer Durgesh Thapa has faced heavy criticism, with many accusing him of deliberately using suggestive language to attract attention.

'Insult to the Teaching Profession'

The controversy extends beyond the disputed lyric. Critics argue that several lines in the song portray the teacher-student relationship in a manner they consider inappropriate and filled with double meanings.

Such lyrics have drawn criticism from teachers, parents, and social media users, who argue that they trivialize a profession traditionally associated with knowledge, dignity, and respect.

Many online commenters described the song as an insult to the Nepali music industry and the teaching profession.

Parents have also expressed concern over the song's potential influence on children. One social media user wrote that their four-year-old child had begun repeating inappropriate words after hearing the song, while others questioned the impact if schoolchildren started singing it in classrooms.

Criticism of Artists and the Music Video

Several viewers have also questioned the participation of established actors such as Priyanka Karki and Aaryan Sigdel in the project.

Social media users expressed disappointment that well-known actors chose to appear in what they described as a publicity-driven promotional video.

Particular criticism has been directed at certain scenes in the music video, including one in which Priyanka Karki places her foot on Durgesh Thapa's shoulder in front of her husband, actor Ayushman Joshi. Critics described the sequence as unnecessary and intended primarily to provoke attention.

Others argued that the choreography, costumes, and overall presentation appeared heavily influenced by Bhojpuri and South Indian commercial music videos rather than reflecting Nepali cultural aesthetics.

Calls for Boycott and Removal

The backlash has also resulted in online campaigns urging viewers to report the video on YouTube and boycott the film.

Some social media users have called on the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the film censor authorities to investigate the song and take action if necessary, arguing that such content promotes obscenity and negatively influences society.

Durgesh Thapa Defends the Song

Responding to the criticism, singer Durgesh Thapa and actress Priyanka Karki rejected allegations that the song contains obscene language or intentional double meanings.

Durgesh argued that listeners interpret the lyrics according to their own mindset. "We've spoken directly. People with a dirty mind hear it as dirty, but someone with a pure heart will understand it differently," he said.

He explained that the lyrics were inspired by his own childhood experience of struggling with mathematics, adding that the line refers to learning maths through tuition.

Durgesh also said that Masterni is primarily a crime thriller with no room for songs within the storyline, and that the promotional track was created separately as an "out-of-the-box" marketing concept.

Creative Freedom or Crossing the Line?

The controversy has reignited debate over the limits of creative freedom in Nepali entertainment and the growing trend of using provocative content to gain online attention.

Critics argue that while controversial digital content may generate short-term views and engagement, creators also bear responsibility for the broader cultural and social impact of their work, particularly when it is easily accessible to children and young audiences.

With the Confederation of Nepalese Teachers formally demanding the song's withdrawal, attention is now focused on whether the film's producers will respond to the concerns or continue with the existing promotional campaign despite mounting public pressure.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन १, २०८३ १३:३८

टिप्पणीहरू