KATHMANDU: Composer Khem Century and singer-producer Shantishree Pariyar, who collaborated on the massively popular folk song “Areli Kandai Le”, are now in the spotlight for their public disagreement. Released during the Teej festival in 2081 B.S., the song became the first Nepali folk song to cross 100 million views on YouTube. While Khem composed the music, Shantishree provided vocals, produced the song, and released it through her YouTube channel.

Despite the song’s huge success, the long-standing friendship between the two has turned bitter. The conflict is reported to have begun after Khem’s photograph was left out of the promotional poster. Although Shantishree later apologized and re-designed it, the problem caused tension between the two.

Khem had suggested holding a success celebration, but it never took place. Since then, their communication has broken down. Shantishree said she tried to reach out several times, but Khem did not respond. Khem later stated that he considered the issue closed and choose to stay silent.

The battle escalated with both of them making statements in the media. Shantishree alleged that someone was spreading false rumors about her, while Khem denied this and said he is not the kind of person who holds grudges. He went on to say that he still thinks she is a good singer but does not wish to collaborate with her anymore.

Shantishree responded by saying she has always respected music creators, fairly compensated Khem for his work, and considers composers as important as gods in a temple. At present, both artists continue to work independently, and the musical partnership that once created history now seems to have come to an end.