Adnan Sami Says Pakistan Denied Visa For Mother's Funeral: ‘Watched Janaza On WhatsApp'
Adnan Sami, the acclaimed singer-composer who gave up his Pakistani citizenship to become an Indian national in 2016, has revealed a deeply personal and painful chapter in his life. In a recent interview with India TV, the Padma Shri awardee shared that the Pakistani government denied him a visa to attend his mother's funeral in 2024.
Sami's mother, Begum Naureen, passed away unexpectedly despite having no prior health concerns. Upon hearing the news, Adnan immediately reached out to both Indian and Pakistani authorities to request permission to travel and attend her last rites.
'The Indian government was very understanding," he recalled. 'Maine yaha ki sarkaar se pucha main jana chahta hu toh apko koi objection to nahi. Unhone kaha, 'Zahir hai, aapki maa ka inteqal hua hai, aapko zaroor jana chahiye'. Unki taraf se koi problem nahi tha." (I asked the Indian government if they had any objections to me going, and they said, 'Of course, your mother has passed away—you must go.' There was no problem on their end.)
However, when Adnan applied for a visa from Pakistan, he was met with silence and ultimately rejection. 'Maine visa ke liye apply kiya, par unhone refuse kar diya. Maine kaha, 'Meri maa ka inteqal hua hai'. Phir bhi unhone mana kar diya. Main nahi ja saka. Maine unka poora janaza WhatsApp ke video pe dekha," he shared, his voice heavy with emotion. (I applied for a visa, but they refused—even after I told them my mother had passed away. I couldn't go. I watched her entire funeral on a WhatsApp video.)
Born in London to a Pakistani Air Force pilot and diplomat, Adnan Sami made the life-altering decision to take Indian citizenship in 2016. Over the years, he has often spoken about how the volatile political climate in Pakistan contributed to his choice, despite his deep personal ties—his family and son—remaining there.
Addressing speculation that financial reasons were behind his shift to India, Sami dismissed the notion. 'I was fortunate to be born into a wealthy family. I left behind property worth crores in Pakistan and started from scratch in India," he said. 'An artist longs for an audience. An artist's nourishment is his audience. I received a lot of love in Pakistan, too, but everyone desires growth."
Adnan Sami first captured the hearts of Indian audiences with his soulful collaboration Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao alongside Asha Bhosle, a song that remains iconic to this day. His musical journey may span borders, but his story is a deeply human one—marked by sacrifice, resilience, and a search for belonging.
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