It is unfortunate that a celebrated musician from Pakistan like Adnan Sami Khan is always embroiled in controversies about Pakistan and India. And now it is yet again an ironic and iconic moment that Adnan Sami Khan, who gave up his Pakistani nationality to get Indian citizenship, has been awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, Padma Shri, by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi on Monday.
According to Hindustan Times, the ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, India’s presidential residence. Adnan, who was accompanied by his wife Roya Faryabi, wore a black sherwani with golden embroidery around the neck at the event.
President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Adnan Sami Khan for Art. He is a world renowned and celebrated music composer, concert pianist, singer and actor. pic.twitter.com/8ybkPIqhJR
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 8, 2021
Adnan thanked veteran Indian singer Asha Bhosle after he was honoured with the Padma Shri award. He said that she played a very important role in his career. Adnan Sami was the lead actor of Pakistani film Sargam (1995) in which Asha Bhosle sang a song. They later collaborated for Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao (2000).
In an interview with The Quint, he expressed his gratitude towards his family and Asha Bhosle after receiving the award. “Apart from my father, my mother, and my wife Roya, I would like to thank everybody I’ve met in my life. Also, everybody who has worked with me, especially Asha Bhosle because my first record that came out in India was a duet with her. She played a very important role in my career,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have gotten this honour if not for the love I’ve received from the people of India. This is one of the most prestigious and incredible moments of my life and I’ll never be able to thank God enough for it… You know, we’re in Delhi and it’s one of my favourite places in the world because some of the most amazing things have happened to me in Delhi. I got my citizenship here. I got my Padma Shri here. We’re celebrating with family and friends. (I’ll) keep pinching myself till it sinks in,” he added.
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After being conferred with Padma Shri, Adnan spoke to news agency ANI and said, “Sometimes you don’t have words to express yourself. Thankful to the government. Thankful to people, nothing is possible without them. I dedicate this to my father-mother. It’s not only an honour but also a responsibility, which I’ll try to carry out well.”
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Other recipients of the Padma Shri this year from the world of arts included Kangana Ranaut, Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor and late singer SP Balasubramaniam.
Wonderful. That is absolutely what I was hoping to find!