Celebrated singer and composer Adnan Sami has opened up about the reasons that led him to permanently shift from Pakistan to India, a decision that has often been a topic of debate and curiosity. In a heartfelt revelation, Sami spoke about the challenges he faced in Pakistan and the sense of alienation that pushed him to seek a new beginning elsewhere.
During a recent interaction, Sami explained that his decision to move to India wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice but the outcome of years of unresolved issues back in his country of birth. “There were many personal and professional hurdles I had to deal with in Pakistan. It reached a point where I felt stuck, unheard, and unsupported,” he shared. His attempts to find solutions through proper channels didn’t bear fruit—even reaching out to the then President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, yielded no help.
“I had tried everything. I reached out to many people, including General Musharraf, hoping for some kind of intervention or support. But nothing changed. The problems just kept piling up,” he said, without elaborating on the exact nature of those difficulties. However, it was evident that the environment he found himself in had become stifling and unsustainable.
Sami went on to express how he never felt truly welcomed or respected for his artistic contributions in Pakistan, despite his success and global recognition. “There was always a sense of resistance. I didn’t feel like I belonged, even though I tried to make it work for a long time,” he said. This emotional disconnect, combined with bureaucratic challenges, gradually led him to consider a new life elsewhere.
India, he explained, offered him not just a home but also the appreciation and space to grow as an artist. “When I came to India, I felt an overwhelming sense of acceptance. The people embraced me, my music found a place in their hearts, and I was allowed to breathe creatively,” he added. Over the years, Sami has not only built a successful career in India but also acquired Indian citizenship, solidifying his bond with the country.
The journey, however, wasn’t free of criticism. His decision to shift allegiance sparked strong reactions from both sides of the border. But Sami stands by his choice, stating that it was a matter of survival—both creatively and emotionally. “Sometimes, when a door continues to remain shut no matter how hard you knock, you look for another door. That’s what India became for me—a door that opened when I had nowhere else to turn.”
Today, Adnan Sami is a proud Indian citizen, and he continues to contribute to the country’s music industry with his unique voice and compositions. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I am finally in a place where I am respected, heard, and most importantly, happy. That’s all I ever wanted.”
His story stands as a poignant reminder of how deeply an artist’s journey can be influenced by their environment, and how sometimes, finding a place to truly call home means making difficult, life-altering choices.
