The extremist Indian group had asked Sami to leave the country because their priority was their own artistes. PHOTO: FILE
“We told Sami that our priority would be our artistes,” wing President Amey Khopkar told the Press Trust of India. “We have a lot of talented artistes of our own and do not need Pakistanis to come and sing here. Besides, whatever money he earns here, he probably sends to Pakistan, and that country will be using the same money against us. So, he has to leave the country.” However, it was later revealed that the union home ministry granted Sami a three-month visa extension from October 6, the same day his earlier document had expired.
Despite being of Pakistani origin, Sami has been living in India for several years and has sung a number of Bollywood hits. And even though the authorities told him off and turned their backs on him, he remains loyal to the country. “I have been living here [in India] for the last 14 years. It has been my workplace since then. I have not spent [as much] time anywhere else as I have in India,” said Sami in an interview to IANS. “So, I am attached with this country. It is like a home to me.”
The singer-composer’s last visa was valid from September 26, 2012 to October 6 this year. He applied for an extension on September 14 as per the standard procedure that he had been following for the past several years. Now that his visa has been extended, Sami is overjoyed.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2013.
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@Sara: "Adnan is nothing but an opportunist" . The only talent this business he has is self-promotion.
I dont understand one thing. People from both Countries have such huge egos for God knows what reasons. Millions of people got killed and lost in this whole adventure of breaking the country. But we still dont learn our lessons. We give such hatred fueled statements without realizing what impact it would have on our minorities on both sides. They allready live like 3rd class citizens and when these kind of no common sense ideas and statements are thrown out on internet those minorities become first target. Please think a little further than just you and your home your family. Make peace. No one is dying to move to India and no one one claimed that Pakistan is like heaven on Earth. Adnan wants to work their and if he is worth it they will let him stay. Sameway Salma Agha came and worked in movies in Pakistan and did music albums. if he is not good for them then there is no way."Money Talks"
@Eric Kumar: You are telling lie . I am Pakistani and would still like to go back to my Pakistan and definitely not India. Please give me the names of those people you said they want to go to India. You are spreading disinformation. How many people opted for India so far in the last 66 yrs. you can count them on your fingers. So forget about this dream of Pakistanis migrating to India. Yes, things are not that great but we will pass thru this phase of our life. I will wait for your list which you claimed in your comment.
If Indian readers have so many issues with Pakistan/Pakistanis, why do they bother reading ET? Go read your biased newspapers that live in their own little worlds spreading rumours: "Times of INDIA, The Hindu" etc.
Mr.Sami is always welcome in India. Who cares about these extremist groups. They should be hounded into prison !
@Mohsin Mahmood: Sane voice on a hot page .
Here in US almost all Pakistanis , when asked if they want to go to Pakistan, considering the situation Pakistan, everybody says they rather go to India. What is there in Pakistan terrorism, economic deterioration, political instability, mistreatment of minorities, etc. I would not blame Adnan Sami for his decision to stay in India. He has more chances to make use of his talent in India then in Pakistan. Pakistanis who are academically smart and intelligent move out to west and other countries. What is there in Pakistan for them to do. Every human being has the right think of his and for his family betterment then of place where he lives.
Adnan is nothing but an opportunist
in order for india to keep thriving the way it is. and i hope they do. you need a very stable and calmer pakistan.......
Every Pakistani who has seen an Indian movie has actually endorsed this statement.
Adnan Sami, who is an artist, feels a nation which has given him fame, wealth, recognition, and most importantly, has appreciated his talents, his Art, is his home.
Many Muslim artists who fled to Pakistan after Partition came back. Even Jinnah's own daughter stayed in India!!!
India has always been a state which appreciates Art. Pakistan has always been un-India.
Is it any great wonder that India has literally a dozen movie industries, when most countries, especially its neighbours, struggle to maintain even one?
@Kaleem:
Normally one doesn’t get so insulted at home, anyways, that’s your choice.
Ask Ahmadi sect living in Lahore.
This hatred between these two countries has to end. These hostile comments and aggression wont really go too far.... we need to do this for our next generation.... And yes you should come to Pakistan and why not?????
@lionheart: Boss I think you are mistaken. We have some real historical places in Pakistan that are home to some real historic value specially for your sikh community. And they do come to Pakistan a lot. Again I would say look at things in a broader prospective.... Hindu or Muslim deference was created by outsiders otherwise all throughout Mughal empire was very open to every religion.
@alpacheno: My Whole point is that there is no such thing as Pakistan,India or Bangladesh and thats how I look at it. The way people love Indians in Pakistan you have no clue. You just believe what these pathetic politicians put in your head. If I was given a choice I would open the borders with India and also Bangladesh. Look at all the european countries how they are doing things and if you think they have been friends always. I dont think so. We need more people who think that way and no the crackpots that are handlng things for the last 60 years....
@lionheart: a good joke!
@Kaleem:
Try telling that to Adnan Sami. All Pakistanis dream of coming to India. I have yet to meet a single Pakistani who doesn't want to come and visit. On the other hand, you wont find a single Indian wanting to go see Pakistan. You all spread hatred towards India and its Hindu dominated society but deep in your hearts you wish you were a part of India instead of Pakistan. India is certainly not shining. We all know that. But its still a much better place than Pakistan or in this case England.
@Rahul: Well said Rahul. i wish there were more like you on either side of the border.
@Jafar - "India is a country of dreams for pakistanis."
Given the current turmoil in Pakistan, any country would be a country of dreams for Pakistanis.
@bangash: “Why hasn’t he gained citizenship if he has been living in India for 14 years ?”
Last I heard, he has an UAE passport... If this is true, why would he aspire for Indian citizenship?
Two nation theory!! just got busted
He is British citizen, and for tax reasons he will never apply for Indian citizenship. His love for India will only last until he keeps earning money from India. He is a good at what he does and Indian producers will continue to hire him as long as he deliver hits. His visa status is only a spicy news clip.
@Jafar: Indeed, but the dream is shattered when we think about 50 million poor people living in the slums.
I am not going to waste my time on this guy who is borne in Britain . I love my home country Pakistan. Which ever way it is or what ever is happening, it is my home. These kind of things can happen to any country and hope fully we will be able to pass thru this phase over period of time.Pakistan has already survived 66 yrs and soon it will be 100 yrs. look at the example in this world. America was not what it is today. So we should have faith and continue to work hard for the betterment and welfare of the common man in Pakistan. We do not need to compare or look towards India. We have other neighbors too. We can follow example of China. Turkey is not that far. There are example to follow in the western world. USA is good example to follow . America did not become world power over nite It took 200 yrs. So please do not worry about this guy and do some thing constructive for Pakistan. Thanks for reading my comment.
Please note, India does not allow dual citizenship. Adnan Sami would probably have to renounce his UK/PK citizenship, which is most likely the only hurdle in his ultimate path towards indian citizenship.
Adnan is much safer in India. He is free to move all around without being killed or kidnapped as is the case in Pakistan. In addition to safety Adnan earned huge amount of money. In Pakistan we feel unsafe so before you comment on Adnan please make Pakistan a safe place for every one.
he is not a pakistani he was born in uk to a pakistani father and indian mother naureen khan british citizen living in india has nothing to do with pakistan @Mohsin:
Mr.Khopar should ban all Indians abroad from sending money to India that they earned outside of India!!!!!
@Abid P. Khan: Well,India anticipated that such thing might happen in the future...Thats why they have the "Right To Return" law which allows you to claim back ur Indian citizenship even if your fathers/grandfathers migrated years back, UNLESS YOU ARE A PAKISTANI OR BANGLADESHI
You have to understand one thing that creating borders cant change how a Pakistani feels for India. Culture,food,clothes,history,language tell me what other country that has so many similarities?. Politicians have and even today created such a hostile environment. To me I still havent come to terms that we are separate nation.I live in California and we have a cricket league and we have amazing indian friends here and we love them more than any and I know they feel the same. I have never been to India but I know if I ever go I would love it. As far as Adnan Sami is concerned I dont think he has any attachment or so called effection for Pakistan. He is a great artist and he is in India because he makes good money there and if he says he feels at home in India then yes he might be right.... Im sorry if I have offended anyone....
People like Adnan ... India is better place
India should give this artist honorary citizenship if not a 10-20 year work visa. These are the type of folks we need to invite in our country. These are the folks who can translate our peaceful intentions and dreams to our neighbors. These are the folks who end up making our art better and consequently earn more money for the things they participate in - films etc.
Pakistan should be the one feeling bad that it is losing its talent to India. Some sort of brain drain. For India, it should be a matter of pride that it can attract and retain top talent - in any field. We should in fact open India to the top talent (professionals, artists, sports persons) from our neighbors. These people will be the bridge between us and the neighbors -opening minds to our views and way of life. And they will better out industry here by their participation.
Adnan, hopefully you stay a long time in our country and bloom even more in your field.
@bangash: "Why hasn’t he gained citizenship if he has been living in India for 14 years ?" . If one were to believe, each and everything one reads, ZAB once asked back his citizenship of India while going through a bad patch in his relationship with his Dearest Daddy (Ayub).
@Indra, Please trust me, We are HAPPY not going to India, this would be last in our wishes, if it is. Please come out of Shinning india delusion.
@Jafar: "India is a country of dreams for pakistanis." . A Utopia incarnate.
Some people have no self dignity.
Pakistanis definitely do not want to see him back in Pakistan. I hope he is kicked out from India too.
@Jafar: Only for singers and actors because in Pakistan they are looked down upon and are usually considered having low moral values. Otherwise you know India has also recently become a dream country for the rapists.
Bangesh, He hasn't applied for citizenship yet.
@bangash: "Why hasn’t he gained citizenship if he has been living in India for 14 years ?"
To be granted the citizenship of a country which is different from place of birth, the individual needs to apply for the same to the Government of that country, and fulfill certain conditions to be eligible to be a citizen.
@goggi (Lahore): Blasphemy! Saudi Arabia should be your spiritual home. You should be dealt with by a Qadri.
If India is like a home to Adnan Sami, then he should just apply for Indian citizenship and move on. A lot of people wish to move and live in other countries so if Adnan Sami wants to adopt citizenship of India or Israel or any other country, that's his business.
Mashallah , but sir. Only you stay. I hope he doesnt set a precedent for Pakistanis to come, live in India. Thanks, but no thanks.
Why hasn't he gained citizenship if he has been living in India for 14 years ?
Then beg the real home owner to let you stay in your 'like a home'!
I love Indians above all and India is my spiritual homeland. I wish all humans a peaceful and loving home.
India is a country of dreams for pakistanis.
Good people like Adnan Sami can stay and work in India. I appreciate Indian govt's decision to extend his visa. But, at the same time we must make sure that terrorists like Ajmal Kasab do not enter India and cause havoc and if they do India must retaliate strongly this time. I don't expect this retaliation from Congress, even though Indira Gandhi did a good job in 1971. Modi, who's also a strong, hardline leader like Indira ji, will make a good PM in this case.
"Besides, whatever money he earns here, he probably sends to Pakistan, and that country will be using the same money against us. So, he has to leave the country"
"Now that his visa has been extended, Sami is overjoyed"
Hmmm.. So what happened...Adnan probably saw the light (or read the sub-text).. Instead of sending the money to Pakistan he distributed some of it with the locals (MNS politicos). The MNS, happy after getting its cut, is not complaining now and seems to have kissed and made up.
the guy is virtually begging to be left in India.