Adnan Sami reveals he was denied visa by Pakistan for mother’s funeral, says 'Yaha ki sarkaar ko koi objection nhi tha'

Adnan Sami on not able to go to Pakistan for Mother's funeral

The well-known singer-composer Adnan Sami, who renounced his Pakistani citizenship in 2016 to become an Indian citizen, has talked candidly about a very painful and emotional period of his life.

The Padma Shri recipient revealed in an emotional interview with India TV that the Pakistani government had refused him a visa to attend his mother's funeral in 2024.

Begum Naureen, Adnan's mother, died suddenly even though she appeared to be in good health. After hearing the heartbreaking news, Adnan promptly contacted Pakistani and Indian authorities in the hopes of being allowed to visit Pakistan and attend her last ceremonies.

Recalling the response from Indian officials, he said, “The Indian government was very understanding. 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.”

However, the reaction from the Pakistani side was starkly different. Adnan Sami shared that he applied for a visa but was met with refusal and silence, even after explaining the gravity of the situation.

“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.” The emotional weight of this admission was evident as he described being forced to mourn his mother from afar, watching the funeral on a mobile screen.

Born in London to a Pakistani diplomat and Air Force officer, Adnan made the momentous choice to become an Indian citizen in 2016. His choice was impacted by political tensions, but it was also a very personal one. Even though he still has close family in Pakistan, including his son, he has frequently talked about the difficulties he has faced.

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Dispelling long-standing rumours that he moved to India for financial gain, he clarified, “I was fortunate to be born into a wealthy family. I left behind property worth crores in Pakistan and started from scratch in India. 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.”

With the classic song Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao, which he co-wrote with Asha Bhosle, Adnan Sami first won over Indian listeners. He has continued to be a well-liked personality in the Indian music industry ever since. In the end, his cross-border tale is one of identity, resiliency, and loss.