Kajal Karn accuses filmmakers of ethnic discrimination on set

Kathmandu, July 12

A dispute has surfaced around the film Chiranjibi Bhawa, which is currently in production. On Friday night, actress Kajal Karn claimed on social media that she was discriminated against and removed from the film on the basis of being Madhesi.

Karn, who has worked in over 350 Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Nepali music videos, said she was mocked as “Madheshini” on the film’s set and ridiculed over her ethnicity and regional background.

She said she faced ridicule and discrimination from members of the technical and production crew on set, and identified some technical staff she alleged were responsible.

She has also alleged that she was not paid her dues. This is reportedly the first time an artist in Nepal has alleged being removed from a project specifically because of being Madhesi.

The film’s director, Deepak Acharya “Kaku,” has denied Karn’s allegations.

“She has not informed me of any of this,” Kaku wrote on Facebook, adding that if any crew member is confirmed to have behaved the way she has alleged, strict action will be taken against them without a second’s delay.

Kaku said footage of all of Karn’s performances has been preserved, and challenged her to substantiate her allegations, dismissing them as baseless. He also said the third instalment of payment is given to all artists only after dubbing is complete.

The Film Artists’ Association said no formal complaint has been filed with it over this dispute so far, and that it has called both parties in for discussion. In a statement, the association said Karn’s allegations are serious in nature and that the matter can only be resolved after discussion and investigation.

The association said the incident has drawn serious attention, adding that such a situation arising between an actor and a production team is not a positive development for the Nepali film industry as a whole. It urged both sides to remain composed and resolve the issue through mutual dialogue rather than airing it publicly on social media.