Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has sparked a fierce online debate after he waved the Indian national flag during a concert in Kathmandu, Nepal, and has vowed he would repeat the gesture. The moment went viral quickly, triggering both admiration and criticism.
The incident unfolded while Anjum was performing his diss track Kaun Talha, aimed at Indian rapper Naezy. A fan tossed an Indian tricolour flag onto the stage; without hesitating, Anjum caught it, waved it high, and later draped it around his shoulders as he rapped.
The move provoked a wave of backlash, particularly from Pakistani social media users who slammed the gesture as provocative and disrespectful. Many pointed to the strained Indo-Pak political climate, a factor that has repeatedly restricted cultural exchanges and made national symbols deeply sensitive.
Anjum was quick to defend himself. On X, he posted: “My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If raising an Indian flag sparks controversy, so be it. I’ll do it again. I will never care about the media, the war-mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu rap is and will always be borderless.”
Supporters praised his bold stand. Many called it a rare act of unity and cross-border solidarity, saying that art should transcend nationalism. Others, however, accused him of being insensitive to his own country’s sentiments and questioned whether the act was a publicity move to appeal to Indian audiences.
Anjum, 30, rose to fame as a founding member of the Karachi-based rap duo Young Stunners, alongside Talhah Yunus. He later transitioned into solo work, and has become a prominent voice in South Asian hip-hop.
Ironically, the controversy comes at a time when many Pakistani artists struggle for visibility in India due to political and platform restrictions. Despite that, Anjum said he remains undeterred.
Whether seen as a provocative political statement or a heartfelt act of artistic solidarity, Anjum’s flag moment has reignited the conversation around nationalism and creativity in the region. His refusal to back down suggests he’s not just making music, he’s making a stand.