India, Aug. 21 -- Rapper KR$NA has been active in Indian hip-hop for nearly two decades, delivering some seminal hits. But last month, one of his tracks crossed over from rap to the world of activism. Boom Shaka, the rapper's latest single, became the anthem for the student protests held across the country in June and July. On YouTube, it went viral, with comments referring to the protest. The rapper said he was caught unawares.

In a chat with Hindustan Times, he says he had 'no idea' the song would take this shape. "Ye gaana usse thoda pehle aaya tha (This song had just come out), but it just happened since it was already picking up on social media at that time. Meta pe already trending tha gaana," he says.

Boom Shaka released on April...