Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises rapper Hanumankind and his song “Run It Up” in the 120th episode of Mann Ki Baat for promoting India’s traditional martial arts. A groundbreaking moment for Desi Hip-Hop.

In a monumental moment for Desi Hip-Hop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a shout out to Hanumankind and his track “Run It Up”, a high-octane anthem that blends raw lyrical finesse with electrifying sports visuals. This marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged a Desi rapper and his art, setting a whole new precedent for the culture.

Mann Ki Baat Meets Desi Hip-Hop

On March 30, 2025, during the 120th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi praised Hanumankind for putting India’s rich traditional heritage on the global map. While speaking about the rise of indigenous games and their presence in pop culture, the Prime Minister said:

“Friends, our indigenous games are now becoming a part of popular culture. You all must be knowing the famous rapper Hanumankind. His new song ‘Run It Up’ is becoming quite famous these days. Our traditional martial arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka and Thang-Ta have been included in it.”

He followed up with this nod of appreciation:

“I congratulate Hanumankind that due to his efforts people of the world are getting to know about our traditional martial arts.”

Let’s be real, this ain’t just a shoutout. This is a landmark moment. For the first time ever, Indian hip-hop has gone from street corners and Spotify playlists to Mann Ki Baat, echoing through national airwaves. 

This is a full-blown cultural co-sign, and it’s a proud, loud win for the entire DHH movement.

Run It Up – Where Tradition Meets Tempo

Run It Up isn’t your typical flex track. Dropped by Hanumankind, arguably one of DHH’s most fearless, forward-thinking artists, it’s a full-spectrum showcase of sound, style, and substance. The song celebrates ancient Indian martial arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta, blending them with hard-hitting beats and powerful visuals.

The video is pure cinema. Picture athletes grinding, warriors training, traditions clashing with tempo, it’s storytelling with swagger. And the bars? Crisp, focused, and unfiltered. 

He’s always been about that balance: global in sound, local in soul. And with Run It Up, he’s made it clear, rap can be a vessel for legacy, not just lyricism.

Hanumankind: The Torchbearer of DHH’s Global Vision

Over the years, Hanumankind has earned his stripes as a disruptor in the Indian rap scene. He’s the kind of artist who doesn’t chase clout, he builds culture. Whether it’s experimenting with sonic palettes or addressing real issues through his music, he keeps it 100% authentic, 100% Desi.

This acknowledgment from PM Modi isn’t just a personal win for Hanumankind, it’s a shared victory for every underground artist who’s stayed true, kept grinding, and never watered down their roots. 

It proves what we’ve known for a while now: Desi Hip-Hop isn’t on the sidelines anymore, it’s center stage. Desi Hip-Hop just ran it up. And history? It’s vibing to the beat.

For more real, raw, and unfiltered takes on the latest Desi Hip-Hop drops, stay tuned to Desi Rap Network!