Renowned singer-composer Adnan Sami has opened up about the profound changes in his life and career since officially becoming an Indian citizen in 2016. Speaking on the podcast "Game Changers: The Music Series" with trade analyst Komal Nahta, Sami articulated the shift by stating, "Main India ka ho gaya aur India mera ho gaya."
A Transformative Identity
While Sami noted that finding work in India was never an issue even during his time as a Pakistani citizen, he emphasized that the dynamics of his personal and professional life significantly evolved post-naturalisation. He shared that he had begun feeling deeply connected to India soon after starting his work here, long before his legal status changed.
Journey to Indian Citizenship
Adnan Sami initially arrived in India in the early 2000s on a tourist visa, following an invitation from legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle to compose an album. This visit marked the beginning of a prolific Bollywood career, where he contributed extensively to Hindi films and independent music projects.
His Pakistani passport expired in 2015. On January 1, 2016, he was granted Indian citizenship under Section 6(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. This particular section facilitates naturalisation for individuals who have made substantial contributions in fields such as arts and culture.
Sami often points to his birthday, August 15, as a symbolic link to India’s Independence Day, calling it an "honour" to share the date, further reinforcing his personal identity with the nation.
Addressing Online Trolling
Following his decision to embrace Indian citizenship, Sami encountered online trolling and scrutiny regarding his nationality. He admitted to initially responding to such comments but now chooses to disregard them. "I laugh about that. Honestly, I don’t give a damn," he remarked in an earlier interview.
A Celebrated Musical Career
Adnan Sami's musical journey began in the early 1990s, steadily establishing him as a prominent figure in Indian music. His breakthrough came with the hugely successful album Kabhi To Nazar Milao, which cemented his place in the industry.
Known for his versatility, Sami has explored various genres, including Indian classical, pop, and film music. His significant contributions to the arts were officially recognized in 2020 when the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri award.