Indian rapper and singer Badshah has finally broken his silence on the viral clip from his recent New Jersey concert that has been making waves across the internet. In a bold move that blended entertainment with political commentary, Badshah tweaked the lyrics of his popular song “Tareefan,” from the film Veere Di Wedding, to take a pointed jab at U.S. President Donald Trump and the ongoing tariff disputes with India.
During his performance, instead of singing the original line, “Kinniya Tareefan Chahidi Ae Tenu” (How many compliments do you want?), he cleverly changed it to “Kinni Tariff Chahidiye Trump Ko” (How much tariff does Trump want?). The spontaneous wordplay drew a massive cheer from the packed venue, with fans instantly capturing the moment and sharing it on social media.
When asked about the viral moment, the rapper explained his reasoning, telling us, “Hip-hop’s always been about calling out the absurdities of power. It felt right—using humor live to shine a light on something that concerns India and its people.” He added that his on-stage banter is mostly spontaneous and that he loves to riff on current events, a practice he feels keeps his connection with the audience genuine and real.
Beyond the political humor, the 39-year-old artist also used his platform to address a more serious issue: the severe floods ravaging Punjab. Badshah said that the crisis, which has submerged vast areas of farmland and displaced thousands, has been on his mind. He made sure to speak about the devastation at the very beginning of his tour, acknowledging his deep concern for the situation back home.
The New Jersey show was part of Badshah’s ongoing “Unfinished North American” tour, which has been drawing huge crowds. With upcoming stops in the Bay Area, Seattle, Dallas, and Chicago, fans are eagerly anticipating more surprises and sharp commentary from the rapper.