Straight outta Kashmir: Female, loud and proud

Iqra Nisar and Anam Nasir love to rap but they must face being vilified in their native Kashmir for pursuing this passion. In the male dominated society of Kashmir, female rappers are often accused of spreading vulgar western culture. Iqra Nisar is 17years old and performs under the stage name Yung Illa. Anam Nasir is a 19yearold rapper who likes being rebellious. The two of them are among the first female hiphop artists in the region. Even though Anam s parents object to her being a professional rapper and Iqra faces condemnation from peers, they both stay true to their passion. They are both role models for other young rappers who dare to break with rigid social expectations. A report by Akanksha Saxena.