Indian rap is making waves globally, and one artist leading the charge is Kerala-born Sooraj Cherukat, better known as Hanumankind. His latest song, Run It Up, is not just a hit on the charts—it is also a tribute to India’s traditional martial arts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took notice and praised the rapper for introducing the world to indigenous combat forms like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta.

What did PM Modi say?
During the 120th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi acknowledged the rapper’s contribution to cultural promotion. "Our indigenous games are now becoming a part of popular culture. The new song of the renowned rapper Hanumankind, Run It Up, is becoming quite famous these days," he said. He further added, "Our traditional martial arts like Kalari-payattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta have been included in it. I congratulate Hanumankind that due to his efforts, people of the world are getting to know about our traditional martial arts."

A rising star in global music
Hanumankind’s Run It Up has been topping the Official Asian Music Chart for three consecutive weeks. This comes after his breakout hit Big Dawgs, which, for a brief period, even outperformed Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us on Spotify’s Top 50.