Talha Anjum issues ‘unconditional apology’ over Indian flag controversy in Nepal
Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has issued an unconditional apology after drawing intense backlash for waving and draping himself in an Indian flag during a concert in Kathmandu, Nepal, last week.
The incident, captured in a viral clip, triggered a heated debate online and even prompted a legal notice from a Pakistani citizen, alleging that the act inflicted widespread outrage and profound injury to the national and patriotic sentiments of millions.
The singer addressed the uproar directly. The moment, he explained, unfolded during his performance of ‘Kaun Talha,’ a popular diss track aimed at Indian rapper Naezy, when a fan handed him the Indian flag mid-song
“I was performing Kaun Talha when an Indian guy handed me an Indian flag,” he said. “In the heat of the moment, I took it; it was respectfully handed to me.”
According to the rapper, he interpreted the gesture as a sign of ‘attendance’ from Indian fans who were present despite the charged context of the track.
The hosts, Nadia Khan and Zohaib Hassan, pressed the rapper on whether he understood the symbolism behind holding the flag on stage.
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.. ???????? ???????? ????????
— Talha Anjum (@talhahanjum) November 16, 2025
Anjum admitted he did not fully grasp the optics at the time, as he mentioned: “In the heat of the moment, I did not realise for how many seconds I was standing with the flag.”
The apology marked a shift from Anjum’s earlier stance. Immediately after the event, he had remained defiant online, writing: “My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If my 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 propaganda. Urdu Rap is and will always be borderless.”
However, when inquired on-air if his apology was ‘unconditional, with no ifs and buts,’ he responded with a firm yes.
“To everybody who has been hurt by my actions, I must definitely apologize. I am all because of Pakistan; everywhere I go, they call me the finest Pakistani rapper.”
This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of heightened Pakistan–India tensions, where cultural exchange has nearly collapsed since the military hostilities between the two countries during the May conflict. Nonetheless, the online discourse stands sharply divided, Anjum’s gesture is seen by some as a peaceful gesture of goodwill and by others as blatant betrayal in this already strained cultural landscape.