Singer Adnan Sami who was honoured with the Padma Shri award thanked veteran singer Asha Bhosle. The singer said that Asha ji played a very important role in his career. 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).
Sami received India’s fourth-highest civilian award, from President Ram Nath Kovind on 8th November. He was conferred with the award in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Adnan, was accompanied by his wife Roya Faryabi and wore a black sherwani with golden embroidery around the neck at the event.
Expressing his gratitude towards his family and Asha Bhosle after receiving the award Adnan said “Apart from my father, my mother, and my wife Roya (Sami Khan), 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.”
“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.
“Sometimes you don’t have words to express yourself. Thankful to Govt. 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,” the singer concluded.
Born in Pakistan, Adnan applied for Indian citizenship in 2015 and became a citizen of India in January 2016. He is known for his songs including Lift Kara De, Kabhi Toh Nazar Mila and Bhar Do Jholi Meri, among others.
