Adnan Sami Khan is a singer, musician, composer, and pianist. He performs Indian and Western music in many languages, such as Hindi, Urdu, English, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. He has been awarded with Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award) for his remarkable contribution to music. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Adnan Sami opened up on how his citizenship problem became a focus rather than his musical contribution.
Adnan Sami On His Citizenship Issue Being In Focus Rather Than Music Contribution
When asked about why his citizenship became the debate rather than his musical contribution, Adnan Sami said, “It’s like—it’s like an ex-lover. It’s a good analogy. You know, when an ex-lover sees you moving on and getting involved with somebody else, they’ll always come up with reasons to hate you. But the real reason they do that is because they still haven’t gotten over you, and it’s love—it’s still love. And love manifests in many absurd ways. You could even say… but the point is, I understand, somewhere, the psyche of how they feel.”
The singer added, “But they don’t know the circumstances that led me to what happened. And it’s ridiculous for anyone, from anywhere, to presume they know the reasons behind it. There were solid reasons behind it. And at the end of the day, you can argue and say, ‘Well, people are migrating all over the world all the time—why don’t they have issues with them?’ First of all, because of the geopolitical nature between India and Pakistan, so there’s that rivalry, for whatever reason, we all know. But more than that, it’s the ex-lover syndrome.”
Adnan Sami Reveals NEVER Getting Any Award
He added, “I mean, you know, I never got a single award or any recognition from the government over there, ever. I had been making music for so many years, almost 40, and yet nothing. When you look at it, that was just the tip of the iceberg. There were so many other things I went through during that period. Let me make this abundantly clear: my audience over there, the people, have always been very loving, and they still are. I love them very much even today, and I’m deeply grateful for all the love they’ve given me. My issues have never been with them, and that’s something they need to understand.”
He added, “My issues have been with the government and the way they have treated me. They don’t know this—how would they? But the fact remains, I’ve always loved my audiences. As you mentioned about being an artist, for me, everyone who loves me, I love them equally in return. I have absolutely no issues with anybody. Some people might grow bitter because of the reasons I just shared, but even that bitterness, at its core, comes from love. So it’s okay. Hopefully, one day, we’ll all move past it. The point is, I still love them. My music is for everyone. I’ve never set boundaries on it. If you want to listen to it, you’re most welcome. If you don’t, thanks for giving it a try. I’m okay with that.”
Citizenship Tussle
Adnan Sami’s citizenship status became a subject of public debate due to his application for and eventual grant of Indian citizenship. Born in the UK to Pakistani parents, he had previously held Pakistani citizenship. In late 2015, the Indian government approved his request for Indian citizenship, effective January 1, 2016. This decision sparked discussion, with some questioning the circumstances surrounding the grant of citizenship, particularly given his Pakistani background.
Watch The Full Interview
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Adnan Sami Reveals How His Father’s Death Impacted His Music Career; Says, “He Was Always The First Person…”
