ISLAMABAD – Actor and digital personality Khaqan Shahnawaz has stepped into the ongoing controversy surrounding rapper Talha Anjum, offering a strong defence of the Young Stunners artist while sharply criticizing the backlash led by host Nadia Khan. The debate erupted after Anjum was seen holding an Indian flag during a concert in Nepal, triggering widespread online outrage.
In a detailed video message, Shahnawaz said the outrage was disproportionate and emotional rather than rational. He questioned whether Pakistanis would react the same way if an Indian artist had held the Pakistani flag and expressed goodwill. According to him, much of the backlash reflects a broader national insecurity that mirrors the sensationalism commonly seen in Indian media, rather than confidence and artistic maturity.
Shahnawaz also targeted television host Nadia Khan for her confrontational tone during her interview with Talha Anjum, calling her approach disrespectful and aggressive. He compared her style to high-pitched, sensational talk shows, saying that Anjum was being treated like a political opponent rather than an artist clarifying a spontaneous moment on stage.
Others from the entertainment industry, including actor Yasir Hussain, have also stepped forward in support of Anjum, noting that the rapper’s gesture was not political but rooted in respect and fan interaction. Anjum himself clarified that he accepted the flag out of goodwill and had no intention of disrespecting Pakistan.
The debate has opened a larger conversation about how Pakistani artists are judged, the reactionary nature of social media outrage, and whether creativity and performance should be allowed space beyond nationalistic pressure.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.