“If hoisting the Indian flag creates controversy, I will do it again” : Talha Anjum

Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum criticized in Pakistan after he hoisted the Indian national flag in Nepal

(Rap is a form of music. A performer of this music is called a ‘rapper’)

Pakistani ‘rapper’ Talha Anjum

New Delhi — Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has become the unexpected focal point of a cross-border controversy after a video emerged of him waving the Indian tricolour during a live concert in Nepal. The viral clip shows the 30-year-old artist accepting the flag from an audience member, waving it proudly, and then draping it across his shoulders as he continued performing. The moment instantly ignited divided reactions across social media.

The gesture has been praised by many as a rare symbol of cultural solidarity in a region marked by political hostility. But in Pakistan, the act sparked a wave of backlash, with some online commentators accusing Anjum of disrespect and calling the moment “inappropriate” for a public figure.

As the criticism grew, the rapper took to X to clarify his position, asserting that the act was not political but human.
“My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If me raising an Indian flag sparks controversy so be it. I’ll do it again,” he wrote. “I will never care about the media, the war-mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu rap is and will always be borderless.”

His statement only deepened the discourse, as social-media users from India and Pakistan debated on nationalism, artistic expression, and the boundaries of cultural exchange. Some lauded him for transcending political divides, while others questioned the implications of a Pakistani artist waving a rival nation’s flag.

Introduction to Talha Anjum

Born and raised in Karachi, Talha Anjum is one of Pakistan’s prominent singers. In 2012, along with Talha Yunus, he founded the Urdu rap duo Young Stunners. The duo gained popularity through the program Burger-e-Karachi. After that, they became known in almost every household within the South Asian rap circle. Talha Anjum has also acted. In 2024, he acted in the film Kattar Karachi. He has more than 3 million followers on Instagram. However, like many Pakistani artists, his account is banned in India.