Famous comedian duo Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya, popularly known as ‘Maha Jodi’, have come forward to clear their names after facing serious accusations regarding their involvement with USAID. In a video released on Thursday morning, the two actors vehemently denied claims that they misused funds from USAID for anti-religious activities.
The allegations, which have been circulating on social media, suggested that the duo used financial aid from USAID to support actions harmful to religious beliefs. Addressing these rumors, Shrestha firmly rejected the accusations, calling them baseless and a form of “false propaganda.” He emphasized that Maha Jodi has always worked with positive intentions, focusing on producing content that benefits society. “We’ve always chosen to engage in work that supports good causes. The claims being made are not true,” he stated.
Furthermore, Shrestha highlighted the important health initiatives supported by USAID, such as polio vaccination, immunization campaigns, and leprosy awareness programs. He made it clear that their collaboration with USAID was always centered on these noble causes. “If you look back at our past works, particularly our telefilms, you will see that we have never done anything wrong or unethical,” he added. Shrestha’s comments were a direct response to the rising criticisms of their alleged misuse of funds.
Maha Jodi: Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya Denies Misuse of USAID Funds
In the same video, Hari Bansha Acharya strongly rejected the claims that they are anti-religious. He expressed his disappointment over how certain individuals and groups have chosen to spread these false allegations. Acharya clarified that seeking support from reputable institutions like USAID for positive and transparent work is not wrong. “There’s absolutely no reason to oppose it when the funds are being used for good causes,” he stated.
Acharya also addressed the ongoing claims that their past satirical works, especially those criticizing the political regime during the Panchayat era, were evidence of their opposition to religion. He vehemently denied such accusations, saying, “We have never been against Sanatan Dharma. These allegations are not only misleading but also completely unfounded.” He assured their fans that their work has always been aimed at social change and cultural commentary, rather than attacking religious beliefs.
The controversy surrounding Maha Jodi came to light following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about the suspension of USAID activities in countries like Nepal. Trump’s statement raised concerns about the agency’s alleged promotion of “atheism” in various regions. This led to a wave of discussions on social media about the organizations that had received USAID funding, including Maha Sanchar, the organization led by Shrestha and Acharya.
Some individuals have accused Maha Jodi of using the USAID funds to produce a television series that allegedly promotes anti-Hindu activities, such as depicting alcohol consumption during a Brahmin’s Shraddha ceremony and supporting Christianity. However, both Shrestha and Acharya firmly denied these claims, calling them part of a smear campaign to tarnish their reputation.
Despite the growing negativity and rumors, Maha Jodi has called on Nepali people not to fall victim to these misleading claims. “We remain focused on our work, and we will not be distracted by these false allegations,” they concluded. The duo reassured their supporters that they will continue to create content with integrity, positivity, and a commitment to social well-being. They urged the public to trust their long-standing commitment to meaningful work and to disregard the false narratives being spread against them.
Here is a video of their clarification: VIDEO
