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Adnan Sami reveals why he sought Indian citizenship

Adnan Sami reveals why he sought Indian citizenship

"I lived in various countries but my heart was always in India," said the singer
Updated 07 Dec, 2016

Adnan Sami has landed himself in the midst of controversy more than a few times, but that doesn't seem to dissuade him from inviting more.

According to Deccan Chronicle, while at a Wellness Congress event, the singer shared why he decided to pack his bags and move to India.

"I am a very emotional person. If someone lovingly asks me for my life, I'll give it up. Indians have given me immense and unconditional love and I am very grateful. That was why I decided to apply for an Indian citizenship," he said.

Another Indian daily, Business Standard, quoted the former Pakistani singer as having said, "India is my karma bhoomi (workplace). I lived in various countries but my heart was always in India due to the love showered on me by the people.

"I had my own ups and downs in getting the Indian citizenship, but ultimately I got it and I am happy about it. I like India. My love is here. I am a proud Indian," he added.

At the event he also touched upon his weight loss journey: "I was never apologetic about how I looked. Because my relationship with my audience was of music and I always managed to please them."

Adnan Sami weighed 230kg. Photo: Osomebuzz.com
Adnan Sami weighed 230kg. Photo: Osomebuzz.com

But after going for a medical check-up upon his father's insistence, he was told that his health could cause him death at any moment. When his father found out, he told Sami "that he didn’t want me to die before him."

That paired with his father's death in 2009, after a long battle with with pancreatic cancer, caused him to re-evaluate his weight.

"That made me determined to shed that weight. I was 230kgs then. I worked hard on it. I lost 160kgs in six years. Losing weight was 80 per cent psychological and 20 per cent physical. My father has been my greatest inspiration and support system, and him saying that was a wake-up call for me," he said.

Comments

Modasar Dec 07, 2016 11:50am
The truth is pakistan refused to renew his passport so many times which forced him to apply for indian citizenship. Since he is famous singer India didn't hesitate for a minute to claim all his work as indian.
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philosopher (from japan) Dec 07, 2016 11:55am
Time is variant I wish you wouldn't be regretted in future about your decision in haste.
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bharat Dec 07, 2016 12:03pm
Adnan Sami is loved in India a lot. He took up citizenship only as he was working here for long time. He liked it here. Its good he is forthright about his feelings.
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AHS Dec 07, 2016 12:09pm
Why would he regret it ?so many Pakistanis apply U.S. & U.K citizenship ! so what if decided to take Indian nationality ?
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rahul1 Dec 07, 2016 12:11pm
@Modasar Indian fans & music industry made him famous
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Kamal Pasha. Dec 07, 2016 12:17pm
Everybody knows what BJP/Shiv Sina are doing with Indian born Muslim actors and othe artists. You are not exceptional.
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MYQUESTION Dec 07, 2016 12:24pm
@Modasar Why Government of Pakistan refused to renew his passport ? Truly Adnan Sami got fame in India, his albums sold like hot cakes in return he obliged his Indian fans by seeking Indian Citizenship. In contrast, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar too has millions of fans in Pakistan yet they never ever cared to visit our country. Sorry to say this is the difference between Indians and Pakistanis.
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Ali Dec 07, 2016 12:34pm
@AHS yes because that is US and UK not India.
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Another indian Dec 07, 2016 12:42pm
I have met him in US. He is a good human being.
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koaljo Dec 07, 2016 12:42pm
@Modasar It is his personal matter, do not pass judgments about personal matters of others, as you would hate others pass judgment about you.
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mansoor mubeen Dec 07, 2016 12:53pm
every body has a right to choose according to his or her preferences. but he has failed to come with one credible excuse to go for citizenship. what benefit it would land him into one.
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JAMSHED Dec 07, 2016 12:58pm
@MYQUESTION.. he is a London born British National... It is all more business and a little politics ... that he took Indian Citizenship. He can take up British Citizenship anytime he wants... read.. https://www.gov.uk/renounce-british-nationality/resume-your-british-nationality.
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Namo Dec 07, 2016 01:12pm
@Kamal Pasha. When you politicise anything and everything there is a desperation to be recognised.
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Imtiaz ali khan Dec 07, 2016 01:17pm
Adnan we are happy for you and also proud of your father, who is a hero to all of us Pakistanis. We just want you to be happy. Don't listen to anyone, just remember we in Pakistan, still love to hear you sing and watch you enjoy your life. Have fun in India to the max, it' s a beautiful place a bigger brother of Pakistan. I know you can't really speak your mind if you find something negative in India, because of the Mumbai BJP/RSS situation, plus the favors Indian Singers/Government have done for you. I pray for you and also want you know that don't say negative things about Pakistan, after all you have many fans here who will always love you, no matter where you go and live. Don't hurts people's feeling neither in beautiful India or Stunning Pakistan. God bless.
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Imtiaz ali khan Dec 07, 2016 01:19pm
@Namo Brother living as a minority is challenging in any country yet alone in our India/Pakistan. So @Kamal words has some truth in it.
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Sense Dec 07, 2016 01:34pm
I must admit, he looks very very good after losing weight. He is an inspiration.
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Taiful Dec 07, 2016 01:50pm
India or Pakistan not a big difference
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kuladeep Dec 07, 2016 01:53pm
@JAMSHED , we Indians dont care about whether Mr sami is UK/pakistan born or what is his actual intentions, you may be correct however we just love listening his melodious singing..
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Modasar Dec 07, 2016 02:05pm
@MYQUESTION ....Mohd. Rafi started his career in lahore and Lata was refused visa by Pakistan for her show in karachi.
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Muzaffar Dec 07, 2016 02:22pm
oh come on! enough with the heart and love arguments. Its purely a case a economic migration.
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jafri Dec 07, 2016 02:50pm
Live with love, and be happy, Adnan Sami.
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Rashid Sultan Dec 07, 2016 02:52pm
What people do, say or express a personal opinion is entirely their business and they are entitled to it. Adnan is an accomplished musician and very talented. He is in a place where he can express himself freely without interference or risk to his life. His father was a great PAF hero and the son accepted his true identity and acclaimed it in full measure. Two faces of the same coin. Make of it what you will.
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Bikram Dec 07, 2016 03:08pm
If I am living abroad and have the option of choosing a roommate out of American, Russian, Chinese and Pakistani, i would opt for Pakistani as we have the same language, same food, same thoughts and same Music.
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Maqdood Dec 07, 2016 03:12pm
No matter, if you are any where.
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Maqdood Dec 07, 2016 03:13pm
You are not a legend that people of Pakistan will miss you.
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Awesome Lyrics Dec 07, 2016 03:16pm
@Muzaffar Any and all immigration decisions are taken because of economic reasons.
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Asif Dec 07, 2016 03:37pm
Who cares. It's his choice really.
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Fawzia H Dec 07, 2016 04:09pm
I don't believe that Pakistan is feeling sorry that he has gone. Not as if he did anything for the country
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Spartan Dec 07, 2016 04:14pm
@Imtiaz ali khan - Highly mature comments. Really appreciate.
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shamsul Khondoker Dec 07, 2016 04:23pm
I will never ever listen your music as long as I live in this world.
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Muhammad Dec 07, 2016 04:46pm
Mr Sami why are you making it a big issue? Pakistan has no dearth of talent or citizens who love Pakistan. If you are happy being Indian, stay that way. Good luck!
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SR Dec 07, 2016 05:46pm
@Modasar Yes. you are right. Along with Adnan has already said, this also is true.
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SR Dec 07, 2016 05:50pm
@Imtiaz ali khan WELL SAID BRO
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Himmat Dec 07, 2016 05:53pm
@Taiful Just the same difference as 4th Century and today.
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kanwarch Dec 07, 2016 05:54pm
Stay happy wherever. nobody cares
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PSB Dec 07, 2016 06:04pm
@Imtiaz ali khan, good thaughts brother..
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n.kumar Dec 07, 2016 07:39pm
@Imtiaz ali khan ....Very well said! Live and let live! Life is as simple or complex as we make it. God Bless!
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Khwarezmi Dec 07, 2016 07:56pm
Best of luck to him. I sm more concerned about Pakistan.
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kaiser London Ilford Twin Towers Dec 07, 2016 08:21pm
@Modasar OHH REALLY.
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KJ Dec 07, 2016 09:23pm
@Modasar: "Since he is famous singer India didn't hesitate for a minute to claim all his work as indian." Though you may be right about your first statement, India has a an abundance of talent, and it does not need to do what you stated above.
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aLI ahmad Dec 07, 2016 09:29pm
@Bikram Same blood my brother.
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KJ Dec 07, 2016 09:31pm
@Kamal Pasha: "Everybody knows what BJP/Shiv Sina are doing with Indian born Muslim actors and othe artists." What are they doing, Kamal Pasha?? Being misinformed in this day of the Internet age is not an excuse for making such statements. BTW it is Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena is a tiny, tiny minority in Mumbai (not even in the state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located), with ZERO voice at a ALL India level. They are not even respected outside of Mumbai - that is their level of importance. As for BJP, you have been misguided.
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Major Dec 07, 2016 09:40pm
Home is always home. India can't be the real home. Hope he finds peace here too.
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MEHMOOD H BHANJI Dec 07, 2016 09:54pm
SALAM! Since time immemorial PEOPLE and MONEY have traveled wherever and whenever it is treated the best. I personally don't think that you owe any explanation to anybody and if you do then you must. BE FREE, BE WELL and don't let anybody break your style and live in PEACE.
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Ravi sankar Dec 08, 2016 12:19am
@Imtiaz ali khan Pleasing to hear a sane voice among frenzy of hate and distrust between neighbours
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Atsul Dec 08, 2016 12:31am
@AHS Are you kidding or are you really living in a lalaland India vs. US & UK, seriously
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zaffar Dec 08, 2016 12:40am
He loves India because of money. LOL
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Imtiaz Faruqui Dec 08, 2016 01:02am
Adnan Sami, People only care to listen to the good song that you sing and not from what part of the world you do that. Music is Global.
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Raja farhat abbas Dec 08, 2016 01:23am
@MYQUESTION ..Don't generalise about Pakistani's for the actions of a few Artists.
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Imtiaz Faruqui Dec 08, 2016 01:24am
@Major My friend , Home is where your heart is.
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Ali Dec 08, 2016 01:48am
Sami Just stay in India and don't come back and also people who love India so much please migrate,
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IKE Dec 08, 2016 02:21am
Who Cares?
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Rashid nasim Dec 08, 2016 03:26am
I am not sure if this is all true. Any way; be happy and don't come back.
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M Chughtai Dec 08, 2016 03:48am
Personally I don't give a dam who emigrates where My own feeling about Pakistan ? Pakistan is in my blood I cannot stop loving it even if I try to Now I live in USA but that does not in any way change my feelings towards the country of my birth
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@mit Dec 08, 2016 05:43am
What's wrong.. If Indian or Pakistani can migrate to US, UK or any other destination. Why can't cross border.
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Ahsan Gul Dec 08, 2016 06:22am
Sami your move to India by no means is hurting Pakistan. We all wish you happy life in your adaptive country.
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NAVEED Dec 08, 2016 07:14am
I think because Adnan Sami thought India is bigger market for his songs.
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sunil Dec 08, 2016 07:29am
@Modasar He has canadian citizenship which he surrender to get Indian citizenship, if your word is true then hr could have gone to Canada but he choose India over Pak snd Canada. That is truth my brother.
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Sailani Dec 08, 2016 07:39am
So, what's the big deal!!! Don't you guys want to be a US, British, Australian? Of course you do, let every man live his own life.
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mOHAMMED Dec 08, 2016 08:02am
who cares for a worthless person like. Stay where ever you like and stop talking about us.
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Umar Dec 08, 2016 08:07am
@Maqdood who is he anyway
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mateen Dec 08, 2016 08:18am
One day he will repent his decision,i can bet
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Zak Dec 08, 2016 08:46am
He can go where he wants but don't badmouth pakistan where all his family live. They never left and they are proud pakistanis. Sooner or later he will encounter the RSS types.
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kerala Dec 08, 2016 10:52am
@Kamal Pasha. Oh yeah we are slowly rectifying that mistake of making "khans" the bollywood superstars .
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SAM Dec 08, 2016 10:54am
In Pakistan he was just another singer, whereas Indians treated him like a Some kind of a God. In Pakistan we have so much talent that Little people like Adnan have to work very hard in order to stay in the race. The other factor was that Pakistani media and comedians use to make lot of fun about his appearance which he hated so much, where as in India he got lot of respect. I first came to know about Adnan by a Indian friend in USA he was so impressed and I being a Pakistani never heard of him.
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ASHOK BHATIA Dec 08, 2016 11:07am
I think Adnan is a very sweet ,humble & down to earth person who does and says what ever is in his heart and mind.We Indians love honesty in the actions of a human being or in the policies of a Government. Since Adnan is an Indian and a brother he has a right to speak his mind without fear .
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asad Dec 08, 2016 01:02pm
adnan sami, fawad khan and mira khan apart from earning money in india should also be vocal about the atrocities conducted by Modi/bajrang dal against muslims of Gujrat and Kashmir.
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Hyder Dec 08, 2016 10:48pm
Sir There are many indians and pakistanis who give up their nationality to become British, Canadian or any other nationality so no big deal if Adnan Sami has got Indian nationality!!!
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Tabassum Dec 09, 2016 04:21am
Where ever you live on this earth, be happy and create more music for us, it doesn't matter you live here or there.
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Tabassum Dec 09, 2016 04:24am
Don't loose Pak domicile, one day God "Wills" you have to come here "Anyway'
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Tabassum Dec 09, 2016 04:31am
@shamsul Khondoker You must not be a musical-minded person. Music is not in your soul, sorry brother.
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MYRESPONSE Dec 09, 2016 09:26am
@kerala The more you try to rectify your mistake more and more "Khans" will emerge as bollywood superstars.
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MUHIBBEWATAN Dec 09, 2016 11:53pm
Only a self-seeking Pakistani would do what Adnan did, which was so unfortunate. Being a citizen of Pakistan, how on earth did he end up in a so-called cosmopolitan country that has, time and again, looked down upon Muslims as secondary citizens with limited rights. Indians only love you while your stature is intact. After that, forget it! They have failed to hold such Indian stalwarts like Mohd. Rafi and Dilip Kumar as also Meena Kumari and Naushad (music director) in high esteem as far as art is concerned. So, no matter what Adnan says about the Indian 'juntaa', he will eventually be regretting his decision down the road.
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S I SYED Dec 10, 2016 12:48pm
@Modasar I have known Flt Lt (r) Arshad Sami who was the the father of Adnan Sami and Arshad Sami had joined the diplomatic core of Pakistan after 1965 war and probably Adnan Sami was born in Britain. It is wrong to say that Pakistan refused to renew his passport as he had dual citizenship. If he loves India, let him enjoy himself. He has had a most enjoyable past.
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Malik ejaz Dec 11, 2016 12:41am
Hes a disgrace to pakistan good riddance
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sunil lakhanpal Dec 11, 2016 11:02am
In school days one of our teacher would say musicians did not have any citizenship they moved from one kingdom to another ,kings would welcome them in there courts......
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Faisal A Malik Dec 11, 2016 02:15pm
Reminds me of Mir Jaffer and Mir Sadiq. Once the Brotishers got what they wanted out of them they were left to the hungry wolves to fast on them. Adnan Sami will one day realize what mistake he has made - just hope that day is not his last!
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