Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has issued a public apology following the controversy sparked over the weekend during his performance in Nepal. The backlash followed a viral clip showing him waving an Indian flag handed to him by a concertgoer.
During a recent interview with a private news channel, Talha Anjum explained the incident, saying the moment felt different from the audience’s perspective. He was performing his diss track Kaun Talha, aimed at Indian rapper Naezy, when an Indian fan handed him the flag. In the heat of the performance, Anjum waved the flag and draped it over his shoulders, misunderstanding the gesture as support from fans present.
“I was performing ‘Kaun Talha’ when an Indian guy handed me the flag,” Anjum said. “In the heat of the moment, I took it. He gave it respectfully.” He clarified that he interpreted it as the crowd showing support despite the rivalry implied in the song.
Anjum admitted he did not realize how long he had held the flag during the performance. “In that moment, I didn’t realise how many seconds I stood there holding it,” he said, acknowledging the misunderstanding.
His apology comes after days of heated online debate, intensified by his initial post-performance response. Anjum had previously posted on X, saying, “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.”
However, during the interview, Talha Anjum confirmed his apology was unconditional. “To everyone whose heart was hurt by anything I did, I apologise,” he stated. “If you aren’t there, I’m not there. I am what I am because of Pakistan. Everywhere I go, they call me the finest or biggest Pakistani rapper,” he added.
The rapper’s clarification and apology aim to calm tensions among fans while reinforcing his pride in representing Pakistan. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding national symbols in international performances, especially in South Asia.
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Talha Anjum remains one of Pakistan’s most influential rappers, and his actions continue to draw both scrutiny and support from fans across the region.
