Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has sparked a heated online storm after waving the Indian flag during a performance in Nepal, prompting fierce criticism from Pakistani fans and a defiant response from the artist insisting that “art has no borders.”
During a concert in Nepal on November 16, the 30-year-old rapper was performing when a fan threw the Indian tricolour toward the stage. Anjum picked it up, draped it around his back, and continued rapping. He later held the flag up for the audience before completing his performance.
A video of the moment quickly spread across Instagram and Pakistani social media platforms. While Indian fans praised his gesture, many in Pakistan expressed anger, saying it disrespected national sentiment — especially amid ongoing political tensions.
View this post on Instagram
Some critics reminded Anjum that Indian streaming platforms such as YouTube and Spotify had restricted his music earlier this year following a flare-up in India–Pakistan tensions, questioning why he showed affection toward a country that had “banned” him.
Talha Anjum breaks silence: ‘My art has no borders’
Facing growing backlash, Anjum addressed the controversy directly through a post on X (formerly Twitter). His message was unapologetic and firm: “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.. will never care about the media, the war mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu Rap is and will always be borderless..”
In the post, he also included Indian, Pakistani and Nepalese flag emojis — a detail that further fueled the debate.
Social media divided: criticism, mockery and support
The reaction online was intense. Many Pakistani users lashed out, accusing the rapper of disrespecting national sentiment.
One critic wrote: “If you would have raised both Pakistani & Indian flags together then your words had weight.”
Another mocked him, saying: “Views nahi aa rahe kya bhai.” A harsher comment read: “Right now you’re just licking Indian balls for your music dumbass.”
Also Read: Music knows no bounds: Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum waves Indian flag in Nepal concert
However, a significant portion of fans defended him, insisting that art transcends national boundaries. Supportive comments included: “Raising any country’s flag won’t make you anti-Pakistan.”
“A confident nation does not panic over symbolism, it stands firm on values.” “Urdu rap reaching across borders is Pakistan’s soft power, not disloyalty. Shahbash!”
History of controversy follows rapper
Talha Anjum, one of Pakistan’s most influential rap artists and half of the duo Young Stunners, is no stranger to public controversy. He is known for his fiery temperament, blunt speech, and unpredictable actions during live shows.
In July, he lashed out at fans during a concert in Islamabad after objects were thrown at the stage, sparking nationwide debate over concert etiquette and artist safety. Weeks later, he caused a stir on Instagram Live by verbally attacking critics who accused him of “selling out.”
.jpg&w=256&q=75 "Holiday announced on July 22")
