Why Adnan Sami left Pakistan despite owning property worth crores there? Pervez Musharraf slammed him for abandoning Pak, singer recalls

Economic Times

5 days ago

The Musharraf Letter
Blocked from Attending His Mother's Funeral
A New Beginning in India
Legacy and Personal Losses
Singer-composer Adnan Sami , who gave up his Pakistani citizenship and officially became an Indian citizen in 2016, has once again opened up about the many personal and professional reasons behind his decision. In a recent interview, Sami reflected on the challenges he faced in Pakistan—both in his career and personal life—and reiterated that financial gain had nothing to do with his move to India.Born in London to a Pakistani father who was a pilot and diplomat, Sami spent a large part of his early life between Pakistan and Canada before eventually settling in India. Despite hailing from a well-established background, he revealed that choosing to live and work in India came at a significant cost. 'I gave up properties worth crores in Pakistan,' he said, noting that material wealth was never his priority. 'Money wasn't my driving force.'During the interview, Sami also addressed the letter his father received in 2005 from the then-President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf . The letter criticized Adnan for allegedly abandoning Pakistan. Sami was still a Pakistani citizen at the time and said the accusation made no sense. He pointed out that the misinformation seemed to have come from multiple levels of government before reaching the top. 'There was no truth to that letter,' Sami said, expressing disappointment over the reaction from the authorities and the public.He also shared that during that period, he had reached out to Musharraf for assistance as he was facing difficulties as a public figure with a Pakistani passport. However, instead of support, he felt disowned by the establishment.Sami also revealed the pain of being denied the chance to attend his mother's funeral in 2024. After her sudden death, he quickly sought permission from Indian authorities to travel to Pakistan, which was granted without hesitation. But when he applied for a visa from Pakistan, his request was rejected—even after explaining the reason for his travel. Unable to visit in time, he had to witness her final rites over a WhatsApp video call.Adnan Sami credited legendary singer Asha Bhosle for helping him find his footing in India when he first arrived. At a time when the Pakistani music industry sidelined him, Bhosle encouraged him to move to Mumbai, saying that it was the true hub of Hindi music. Following her advice, Sami moved to India and stayed at the late R.D. Burman's house, which Bhosle had opened up for him. 'I was very lucky because it was like a music temple,' he recalled.Once in India, songs that didn't receive attention in Pakistan—such as Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, and Lift Karadey—were promoted with full force and became major hits. Sami said the Indian audience gave him the love and respect he never expected, which was crucial for an artist's growth.Reflecting on the plight of legendary Pakistani artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and Reshma, Sami expressed sadness over how many of them ended their lives in poverty and neglect despite their global fame. He suggested that the authorities failed to support these icons, a fate he believes he might have shared had he stayed.Though Sami has faced heavy criticism from Pakistan since taking Indian citizenship , he remains resolute in his decision. His journey is marked by emotional sacrifice, cultural rebirth, and a determination to grow as an artist. 'An artist's nourishment is his audience,' Sami said, adding that India gave him the opportunity to start over—and thrive.