Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum, a member of the popular duo Young Stunners, is facing criticism after videos went viral showing him waving the Indian flag during a concert in Nepal.
The footage shows Anjum performing his hit track “Koun Talha” when someone from the crowd threw an Indian flag onto the stage. He caught it, placed it on his shoulder, and later waved it toward the audience before returning it.
The incident sparked heated debate online. Critics accused him of insensitivity given the tense relations between Pakistan and India. Supporters defended the gesture as a symbol of artistic freedom.
Responding to the controversy, Anjum posted a statement on social media.
He said there is no hatred in his heart and his art has no borders. He added that if there is controversy over him hoisting the Indian flag, he will do it again.
He insisted that Urdu rap transcends national boundaries and should remain free of political divisions.
This is not the first time artists from Pakistan and India have faced backlash for cross border gestures. Actor Diljit Dosanjh’s film “Sardar Ji 3,” featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, was boycotted in India and never released there.
The debate comes against the backdrop of strained ties between the two countries. In May 2025, a four day military clash in Indian administered Kashmir left both sides accusing each other of drone and missile attacks. During that period, social media accounts of Pakistani athletes, artists, and journalists including Talha Anjum and his bandmate Talha Younis were reportedly banned in India.
Despite the criticism, Anjum remains one of Pakistan’s most successful artists internationally. In 2024, he was the most streamed Pakistani singer on Spotify. In February 2025, seventeen of his hip hop tracks ranked among the platform’s Global Impact List. His fan base extends beyond Karachi and Lahore, with Delhi emerging as one of his largest audiences.
Online reactions to the flag incident were mixed. Some Pakistani users accused him of seeking attention, while others defended his stance, saying waving a flag does not make him anti Pakistan. Indian fans praised his boldness, with one user writing that in this era of division he dared to hoist the Indian flag. He is facing criticism in Pakistan but he has stood his ground.