Adnan Sami, a singer and music composer who was born in Pakistan and subsequently became an Indian citizen in 2016, has frequently encountered criticism from Pakistani citizens regarding his relocation. There was widespread speculation that the reason for the change was pecuniary. Adnan, however, clarified the situation during a recent appearance on India TV’s Aap Ki Adalat, disclosing the genuine cause for his relocation to India.
Adnan Sami discussed the lack of support he received from the Pakistani music industry.
Adnan recalled feeling disheartened by the Pakistani music industry and stated, “I come from a very privileged family.” I was never captivated by money, as I was born into a household that provided me with everything I needed. An artist is perpetually yearning for an audience. Although I received a significant amount of affection from Pakistan, I desired a broader audience. People in the Pakistani music industry believed that my compositions would not be successful and that I was done after I released them in 1998. Consequently, they did not distribute any publicity for those compositions. The album’s release and subsequent disappearance were unknown to all. I was exceedingly disheartened. At that moment, I was in Canada. I was aware that they had done so intentionally.
Adnan Sami recounts that Asha Bhosle requested that he travel to Mumbai.
He recalled a conversation with the renowned vocalist Asha Bhosle, during which he stated, “I informed her that I was feeling disheartened once more, and that individuals in Pakistan have declined to collaborate with me.” Therefore, I am interested in recording a tune with you in London. “Why in London?” she inquired. Mumbai is the capital of Hindi music, and anything that becomes popular here will gain popularity worldwide. Therefore, if you are truly interested in trying something new, come to Mumbai. Consequently, I arrived at the location. Asha ji provided me with exceptional care and arranged for me to reside at the residence of RD Burman. It was akin to residing in a temple of music. “The songs that were rejected in Pakistan, Lift Karade and Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, were released in India, and the rest is history.”
He further stated that the affection and acceptance he received in India were unparalleled to anything he had ever encountered. Adnan noted that it was not solely him who achieved success in Pakistan; ghazal legends Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hassan, as well as folk singer Reshma, also achieved success. However, their fame was substantially increased in India. He attributed this to the country’s profound regard for music and its vast audience, which he believes are unparalleled in the world.
In addition to his successful albums, Adnan Sami has contributed his vocals to numerous popular Bollywood tracks, such as Tu Sirf Mera Mehboob in Ajnabee, Nashe Nashe Mein Yaar in Janasheen, Shayad Yahi To Pyar Hai in Lucky: No Time for Love, Dil Kya Kare in Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love, and Baatein Kuch Ankahein Si in Life in a… Metro, among others.
