Priyanka Karki and Durgesh Thapa Apologise Over ‘Masterni’ Song Controversy
Actress-producer Priyanka Karki and singer-song writer Durgesh Thapa have apologised after a promotional song for the upcoming Nepali film “Masterni” triggered criticism over its lyrics and visuals. The video has now been removed from Durgesh’s official YouTube channel, while related clips have also been deleted from Priyanka’s social media platforms.
Priyanka addressed the controversy in a statement shared on her official Facebook page, saying she had taken the public response and concerns surrounding the promotional content seriously.
She clarified that the disputed song was not an official track included in the film. According to the actress, it was created through mutual coordination purely for promotional purposes and does not appear anywhere in the movie’s storyline.
“The song released through singer Durgesh Thapa’s YouTube channel was not an official song included in the film, but was prepared through mutual coordination solely for promotional purposes,” Priyanka said in her statement.
Priyanka apologises to teachers and viewers
Priyanka acknowledged complaints that some words and scenes in the video had affected the dignity of teachers and those associated with the profession.
She said neither she nor her team had intended to negatively portray one of society’s most respected professions. However, she accepted that the presentation had unintentionally caused hurt and apologised personally and on behalf of the entire team.
Priyanka said she deeply regretted the impact of the content and offered an apology to teachers, the Nepal Teachers’ Federation and viewers who felt offended.
She described the controversy as an important lesson and promised to be more sensitive, responsible and careful while selecting subjects and creative content in the future.
The actress, who is beginning her journey as a film producer with “Masterni,” added that she had never imagined hurting anyone’s faith, profession or dignity.
Video removed permanently from official channel
Priyanka confirmed that the promotional song had been permanently removed from Durgesh Thapa’s official YouTube channel. She also said all excerpts of the video had been deleted from her social media platforms.
“We have officially removed the song permanently from the Durgesh Thapa YouTube channel,” she stated, adding that the public’s advice, criticism and feedback had been accepted positively.
Her announcement came after Durgesh issued a separate written statement apologising to viewers, teachers and respected mentors.
Durgesh acknowledged that certain words and aspects of the presentation had hurt members of the teaching community. He said the intention had never been to insult any profession, person or community and apologised on behalf of the entire team.
He also confirmed that the song had been removed from his YouTube channel and other official social platforms.
Teachers’ Federation had demanded action
The controversy intensified after the Nepal Teachers’ Federation objected to the promotional song and called for its immediate removal.
The Federation said the content had seriously affected the dignity of female teachers and the wider teaching profession.
A student organization also demanded an immediate ban on the song and video, widening the institutional pressure on the artists and production team.
The criticism largely centered on alleged double-meaning lyrics and the way the teacher character was presented in the video.
Before being removed, the song had attracted significant online attention and reportedly reached No. 1 on YouTube’s trending chart in Nepal. It also appeared on trending lists in several overseas markets with large Nepali audiences.
Song was created only for film promotion
Priyanka’s statement draws a clear distinction between the controversial promotional content and the film itself. She said the video was never part of the movie’s story or official soundtrack. It had been created separately to promote “Masterni.”
Earlier reports said Durgesh had produced the audio and video as a supportive promotional gesture for Priyanka and had also offered to participate in the film’s nationwide promotional campaign.
The clarification is significant because the growing controversy had led some viewers to assume that the song represented the film’s narrative or creative treatment of the teaching profession.
According to Priyanka, that is not the case.
Backlash turns into a lesson for the team
The separate apologies from Priyanka and Durgesh mark a shift from promotion and defence of the song toward acknowledgement of public concerns.
Both artists have maintained that there was no intention to insult teachers. At the same time, both have accepted that the words and presentation caused unintended hurt.
Priyanka said she viewed the incident as a lesson in correcting mistakes and promised greater sensitivity in future creative decisions.
The controversy has also renewed discussion around the balance between artistic freedom, entertainment and social responsibility. Promotional content can generate attention quickly, but artists and producers increasingly face pressure to consider how humour, suggestive language and professional identities are represented.
The video has been removed from the official platforms identified by Priyanka and Durgesh. However, unauthorized copies or reposted clips may remain available elsewhere online.
