YouTuber Rajab Butt: Riding the wave of fame and controversy

In a studio apartment overlooking Dubai's glittering skyline, Rajab Butt scrolls through comments on his latest YouTube video. The notifications ping endlessly, a mix of adoration and vitriol that has become the soundtrack to his life as one of Pakistan's most controversial social media personalities.

"Until nine months ago, I would've said I was that rare YouTuber who'd never received hate. It was all positive on my comments and social media," Butt says with a wry smile. "Lately, it feels like someone has cursed my social media and YouTube."

The 32-year-old content creator, who boasts one of Pakistan's largest online followings, now finds himself building a new life in Dubai after being forced into exile from his homeland following a series of controversies that culminated in blasphemy charges — among the most serious accusations one can face in Pakistan.

In this exclusive interview with Nukta, the YouTuber breaks his silence on various controversies he’s been a part of, his journey, and what living in Dubai is like.

The perfume that changed everything

Butt's troubles escalated dramatically in early 2025 when he launched a perfume brand named "295" — a direct reference to Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which addresses blasphemy. The move sparked immediate outrage from religious hardliners.

The controversy quickly escalated to legal action, with charges filed against Butt under Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws. Though Butt issued an apology, the damage was done. Authorities pursued the case, leading Butt to leave Pakistan for Dubai.

"People interpreted it in the wrong sense," Butt says of the controversy. "I'm a practicing Muslim. I have not done anything. My name sells their content."

In his apology, he clarified that the name of the perfume was after a song by slain Indian singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Sindhu Moosewala connection

This wasn't the first time Butt found himself in hot water over his admiration for Indian singer Sidhu Moosewala. Butt has frequently cited Moosewala as his mentor and source of motivation.

"I talk about him because I relate to him," Butt insists. "People interpreted it in the wrong sense, thinking I am promoting Sikhism."

Despite the backlash, Butt remains steadfast in his admiration. "I still stand by what I said and only apologized because I didn't want to offend anyone intentionally."

A history of controversy

Butt is no stranger to public scrutiny. His possession of a lion cub as a wedding gift brought legal trouble and public attention, adding to his controversial public image.

That incident later factored into what Butt calls the "wedding controversy", when authorities raided his home. International media outlets, including the Daily Mail UK and BBC, reported that his arrest seemed orchestrated.

Responding with characteristic sarcasm, Butt says, "Look at my level, my power—I can summon 20 officers to raid my house, break in, take my revolver, lion, rifles—and stage my arrest."

Clash with traditional media

Butt's outspoken nature has also put him at odds with established Pakistani entertainment figures, most notably television host Fahad Mustafa, who criticized content creators for "selling their families".

"Respect is earned; it doesn't come with seniority. If you give respect, you will earn it," Butt says, taking aim at what he sees as hypocrisy in Mustafa's stance.

"If social media is such a 'disease and filth', then why don't they leave social media? You should stick to TV and film—yet here you are, doing the same on YouTube."

On living in Dubai

The emotional cost of exile weighs heavily on Butt, particularly the separation from his mother.

"This courage takes you down," he says, his voice softening. "The biggest loss I have suffered is being far away from my mother."

Despite the challenges, Butt remains philosophical about his approach to both content creation and life itself. He's become more selective about what he posts, saying, "It's not about money anymore—it's about peace of mind."

While he acknowledges the importance of financial security, he maintains a different perspective on wealth. "I have invested for my future and children, but want to spend what I earn in my youth. It's your youth you remember—not old age."

As for the future, Butt remains focused on his YouTube channel, though he hasn't ruled out venturing into film or television for "a powerful story or a standout role"—ideally opposite actress Komal Meer.

For now, he compares his current struggles to the heat of summer in his homeland: "Just like the sun stings hardest at its peak, I'm feeling the burn—because I'm at the top."

Whether that position is sustainable in the volatile world of social media remains to be seen.