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Adnan Sami honored with Padma Shri Award

Web Desk:

Adnan Sami received the fourth-highest civilian honor, Padma Shri Award, November 8 for his contribution to the field of performing arts. The award was presented by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The official Twitter handle of the President of India tweeted a photo of Adnan Sami receiving the Padma Shri Award, and wrote, “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.”

Singer Adnan Sami thanked veteran singer Asha Bhosle after he was honored with the Padma Shri award. He said that she played a very important role in his career. In an interview with The Quint, Adnan Sami expressed his gratitude towards his family and Asha Bhosle after receiving the award.

“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,” he said.

 

He also said, “I wouldn’t have gotten this honor 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 favorite 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.”

 

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 Govt. Thankful to people, nothing is possible without them. I dedicate this to my father-mother. It’s not only an honor but also a responsibility, which I’ll try to carry out well.” Adnan is known for his songs including Lift Kara De, Kabhi Toh Nazar Mila and Bhar Do Jholi Meri, among many others. Born in Pakistan, he applied for Indian citizenship in 2015 and became a citizen of the country in January 2016.

This post was originally published on VOSA.