KATHMANDU: What was intended to be a vibrant night of music, cultural exchange, and fan appreciation in Nepal turned into an unexpected national controversy for Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum, after a brief gesture of courtesy toward an Indian fan escalated into a heated debate over patriotism and artistic freedom.
The incident occurred during a packed private concert in Kathmandu last weekend, where a diverse international audience came together to celebrate music.
Instead of returning home to applause, the rapper found himself at the center of an intense social and media firestorm all for acknowledging a fan with a moment of respect.
During Anjum’s performance, fans from multiple countries waved their national flags. A young Indian attendee respectfully extended the Indian flag toward the rapper. Amid the high-energy atmosphere, Anjum placed it briefly on his shoulder a universal gesture of appreciation in global concerts.
However, a short video clip stripped of context circulated online, and within hours, criticism erupted.
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What was meant as a moment of inclusivity was framed by some as an act of insensitivity, leading to online attacks and even a legal notice filed against the rapper.
After returning to Pakistan, Anjum appeared on a private show, where he faced intense and uncomfortable questioning over the incident. The tone widely viewed as overly harsh sparked anger among fans and artists
Maintaining composure, Anjum clarified:
“I did not wave the Indian flag. A fan handed it to me respectfully, and I held it for just a few seconds. If anyone is hurt, I apologies.”
He stressed that his identity as a Pakistani artist is acknowledged at every international stage he performs on.
The aggressive treatment of the rapper ignited a wave of reactions from celebrities who condemned the disrespect and defended the artist’s intentions.
Sonya Hussyn:
“No artist deserves to be treated like a criminal. Engaging with fans is not disloyalty.”
Yasir Hussain:
“He’s a good Pakistani. Indian fans attending his concerts means he’s making the country proud.”
Musaddiq Malik:
Criticised the confrontational tone of the interview, calling it “unnecessary and damaging.”
Kinza Hashmi:
Emphasised that artists must be respected, especially when performing abroad.
Farhan Saeed: The singer gave one of the strongest responses, reinforcing the core purpose of art:
“Artists are meant to connect people beyond borders and cultures.
We are people who promote love, not hate.”
He reminded the public that music has always been a bridge between nations, not a battlefield for politics.
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Khaqan Shahnawaz:
“Think about it this way: if an Indian actor or singer had draped the Pakistani flag on stage and expressed a message of ‘love for everyone,’ would it damage Pakistan’s state narrative? Not at all because our national narrative does not claim that all Indians despise us.”
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Footage from the concert also showed Talha Younus waving the Nepali flag, acknowledging the host nation. The concert atmosphere was purely celebratory not political.
Yet Anjum’s brief moment of courtesy was magnified into a national debate, highlighting the imbalance between global artistic expression and domestic sensitivities.
Social media quickly divided into two opposing camps:
Argued that displaying any foreign flag, especially India’s, is inappropriate.
Emphasized that international performers routinely engage with fans from various countries, and such gestures reflect respect not betrayal.
The debate revealed how emotionally charged cross-border symbolism remains in Pakistan’s public discourse.
Talha Anjum initially responded with hope:
“My heart has no place for hate. Art has no borders.”
But pressure continued to mount, forcing him to apologise unconditionally not for disrespecting Pakistan, but for respecting a fan and being punished for it.
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