Renowned singer and composer Adnan Sami recently reflected on the tragic fate of several Pakistani music legends who, despite their international fame, spent their final years in poverty and neglect. Highlighting the painful ends of artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and Reshma, Sami called attention to how these icons were celebrated worldwide but abandoned by the very system that once took pride in their success.
“These are just a few names,” he said in a recent interview, pointing out that many more in the arts went through similar neglect. Sami emphasized that while these artists were immensely loved by audiences, they never received the kind of institutional support or dignity they deserved from the authorities, especially when it mattered most.
Lack of Support from Authorities
Sami, who became an Indian citizen in 2016, was critical of the lack of respect and backing these cultural icons received in their own country. He observed that while Pakistanis celebrated these artists' music, their welfare was ignored. “The audience has always praised them,” he stated, “but the authorities have never offered any help.”
He recalled how ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan and folk singer Reshma suffered through painful final years, without access to adequate healthcare or support. Even someone as widely revered as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who brought Qawwali to international platforms, died with minimal state acknowledgement.
India Gave Him a New Beginning
Adnan Sami’s own journey offers a sharp contrast. Once sidelined by the Pakistani music industry, he found himself welcomed in India after legendary singer Asha Bhosle encouraged him to shift base to Mumbai. Despite releasing hit songs in 1998, he shared that the Pakistani industry gave no support or marketing push to his work. Feeling isolated, he considered recording in London but was advised by Bhosle to move to India instead.
Taking her advice, he arrived in Mumbai with little more than determination. “She made me stay in RD Burman’s house,” he recalled, expressing gratitude for the warmth and encouragement he received. Songs like “Kabhi To Nazar Milao” and “Lift Karadey,” which didn’t perform well in Pakistan, were embraced in India, turning into massive hits.
Not About Money, But Respect and Growth
Sami has consistently dismissed claims that his shift to India was financially motivated. He emphasized that he left behind properties worth crores in Pakistan and started from scratch. “Money wasn’t my driving force,” he clarified. “An artist’s nourishment is his audience.”
He stated that India offered him not just success, but dignity and respect for his craft—something he felt was lacking in his homeland. The warm reception and recognition he received in India, including being awarded the Padma Shri, confirmed for him that his decision was not just artistic but also deeply personal.
His strained relationship with Pakistan became even more evident when he was denied a visa to attend his mother’s funeral in 2024. Despite obtaining clearance from Indian authorities and making an emotional appeal to the Pakistani embassy, his request was rejected. Left with no choice, Sami had to watch her final rites over a video call. “I had to witness the janaza on WhatsApp,” he said, calling it one of the most painful moments of his life.
“These are just a few names,” he said in a recent interview, pointing out that many more in the arts went through similar neglect. Sami emphasized that while these artists were immensely loved by audiences, they never received the kind of institutional support or dignity they deserved from the authorities, especially when it mattered most.
Lack of Support from Authorities
Sami, who became an Indian citizen in 2016, was critical of the lack of respect and backing these cultural icons received in their own country. He observed that while Pakistanis celebrated these artists' music, their welfare was ignored. “The audience has always praised them,” he stated, “but the authorities have never offered any help.”
He recalled how ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan and folk singer Reshma suffered through painful final years, without access to adequate healthcare or support. Even someone as widely revered as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who brought Qawwali to international platforms, died with minimal state acknowledgement.
India Gave Him a New Beginning
Adnan Sami’s own journey offers a sharp contrast. Once sidelined by the Pakistani music industry, he found himself welcomed in India after legendary singer Asha Bhosle encouraged him to shift base to Mumbai. Despite releasing hit songs in 1998, he shared that the Pakistani industry gave no support or marketing push to his work. Feeling isolated, he considered recording in London but was advised by Bhosle to move to India instead.
Taking her advice, he arrived in Mumbai with little more than determination. “She made me stay in RD Burman’s house,” he recalled, expressing gratitude for the warmth and encouragement he received. Songs like “Kabhi To Nazar Milao” and “Lift Karadey,” which didn’t perform well in Pakistan, were embraced in India, turning into massive hits.
Not About Money, But Respect and Growth
Sami has consistently dismissed claims that his shift to India was financially motivated. He emphasized that he left behind properties worth crores in Pakistan and started from scratch. “Money wasn’t my driving force,” he clarified. “An artist’s nourishment is his audience.”
He stated that India offered him not just success, but dignity and respect for his craft—something he felt was lacking in his homeland. The warm reception and recognition he received in India, including being awarded the Padma Shri, confirmed for him that his decision was not just artistic but also deeply personal.
His strained relationship with Pakistan became even more evident when he was denied a visa to attend his mother’s funeral in 2024. Despite obtaining clearance from Indian authorities and making an emotional appeal to the Pakistani embassy, his request was rejected. Left with no choice, Sami had to watch her final rites over a video call. “I had to witness the janaza on WhatsApp,” he said, calling it one of the most painful moments of his life.
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