Nepal’s Controversial ‘Masterni’ Song Pulled From YouTube After Backlash

Singer Durgesh Thapa and actress Priyanka Karki have removed their controversial song “Masterni” from YouTube and social media after complaints that it disrespected teachers, both announced Friday.

Thapa and Aayanka Films Pvt. Ltd., the company behind the film the song promoted, issued separate statements Friday evening confirming the takedown. Both publicly apologized, saying the song had hurt the feelings of teachers and viewers.

The song was released on Thapa’s YouTube channel to promote the film “Masterni,” which Karki produced and stars in. Karki said it was never part of the film itself.

“The song is not included anywhere in the film’s story,” Karki said in her statement. It was prepared purely for promotion through coordination between the teams, she said.

Karki said complaints centered on certain words and visuals that critics said damaged the dignity of the teaching profession. She apologized personally and on behalf of her team to teachers, the Nepal Teachers’ Federation and viewers who were hurt.

The song has been permanently deleted from Thapa’s YouTube channel, she said, and all clips have been removed from her own social media accounts. Karki, who said “Masterni” is her first film as a producer, called the episode an important lesson and pledged to be more sensitive and responsible in future content choices.

In his statement, Thapa said neither he nor his team intended to insult any profession or hurt anyone’s feelings. The song, he said, was an entertainment-style promotion for the film. He acknowledged its words and presentation had upset teachers and viewers, and apologized on behalf of his entire team.

Teachers are society’s guides and lamps of knowledge. — Durgesh Thapa

His respect for teachers remains unshaken, Thapa added.

Thapa confirmed he has officially removed the song from his YouTube channel and other social platforms, and committed to more responsible work ahead.