Jyoti Magar questions Nischal couple over ‘oppressed class’ narrative
KATHMANDU: Singer Jyoti Magar has spoken out over the controversy surrounding the upcoming film Lalibazar starring actress Swastima Khadka, questioning whether stories of oppressed communities are being commercially exploited while the same social discrimination continues to exist.
Taking to Facebook on Friday afternoon, Magar shared a post calling for a boycott of the film and raised concerns about repeatedly portraying caste-based discrimination narratives without bringing meaningful social change.
In her post, she wrote that while society talks about ending caste discrimination, apologising for past injustices, and even introducing laws against such practices, the continued use of the suffering of oppressed communities as a “story to sell” only helps keep the same harmful tradition alive in people’s minds. She further questioned those she referred to as the leaders of the “Kharane Gang,” asking whether such portrayals truly contribute to change.
The remarks are widely seen as targeting filmmaker Nischal Basnet and actress Swastima Khadka, both of whom had participated in the “Gen Z Movement” held on Sept 8 & 9.
The protests had drawn major attention after public properties, including the Parliament building and the Supreme Court premises, suffered significant damage during the demonstrations.
