Singer-composer Adnan Sami has opened up about how obtaining Indian citizenship changed his life and career, reflecting on his journey from being a Pakistani citizen to becoming an Indian national, as reported by The Times of India.
In a recent conversation with trade analyst Komal Nahta, Adnan Sami spoke candidly about his professional journey in India and the difference citizenship made to his life.
According to The Times of India (TOI), the singer said that working in India was never difficult for him even when he was a Pakistani citizen. However, he acknowledged that his situation changed significantly after he officially became an Indian citizen.
“It was never difficult for me to get work in India when I was a Pakistani citizen. A lot of things changed after I got Indian citizenship. Main India ka ho gaya aur India mera ho gaya.”
As reported by TOI, Adnan Sami became a naturalised Indian citizen on January 1, 2016. Before that, he had entered India in March 2001 on a visitor’s visa and went on to establish a successful career in the country’s music industry.
His journey towards Indian citizenship began after his Pakistani passport expired in 2015 and was not renewed. He subsequently sought legal status in India on humanitarian grounds. According to TOI, the Ministry of Home Affairs granted him Indian citizenship under Section 6(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
The provision allows the government to grant citizenship by naturalisation to individuals who meet the required conditions, including those who have made significant contributions in areas such as art and culture.
According to TOI, Adnan Sami had previously spoken about the circumstances that influenced his decision to build his career in India. He recalled that limited opportunities and the level of support available to him within Pakistan’s music industry played a role in making him consider a move.
Veteran singer Asha Bhosle was also an important influence during this phase of his life. Adnan has previously acknowledged her encouragement and support, which helped strengthen his decision to pursue opportunities in India.
As reported by TOI, the singer has also expressed gratitude towards India for accepting his music and providing him with a platform to showcase his talent to a much wider audience.
Adnan Sami began his professional musical journey in the early 1990s and gradually became a prominent name in the Indian music industry. Over the years, he worked across several musical styles, including Indian classical, pop and film music.
According to TOI, one of the major milestones in his career came with the success of his album Kabhi To Nazar Milao. The album became hugely popular and helped establish Adnan Sami as a recognised name among Indian music listeners.
His ability to blend different musical influences and his distinctive vocal style helped him build a long-lasting career across albums, singles and Hindi film music.
TOI also highlighted Adnan Sami’s contribution to Indian music and the recognition he has received for his work. In 2020, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s prestigious civilian awards.
Today, Adnan Sami’s journey is closely associated with both his musical legacy and his decision to make India his home. Reflecting on that journey, his latest comments show how obtaining Indian citizenship marked an important personal milestone, even though, as he pointed out, his professional opportunities in India had already been strong before he became an Indian citizen.