Adnan Sami

“Though music was not in my blood, I always considered myself belonging to music, and that remained with me throughout my studies. The studies were my parents' wish, which I fully complied with, as one must be educated at the highest possible level.”

“I don't give a damn about trolls.”

“There is nothing more beautiful for a musician to listen and see harmony.”

“My education has allowed me to be more open to ideas which I would not have been had I not been as educated.”

“I was too big to even contemplate exercise. I had to use a walking stick and a wheelchair to get around.”

“I had my own ups and downs in getting Indian citizenship. But, ultimately I got it and I am happy about it. I like India. My love is here. I am a proud Indian.”

“People all over the world know me as an Indian artist. I could have chosen any other country and wouldn't have had to go through problems claiming my citizenship. But it is India where my heart is and has always been.”

“Sufis were always spreading love with their music, and if some kind of extremism is a threat to it, it is a threat to all humanity.”

“I am not scared of anyone except the Almighty.”

“I have had an extraordinary life, but it's been one incredible roller coaster ride.”

“I can never stop thanking God because my music influences people in their respective lives.”

“The response that I have got over the years is the best example that the people of India love me, and I feel as much Indian as anybody.”

“The way the Pak government treated me is only testimony to the ill treatment meted out to artistes. There was outrage against me. People were amazed that I had applied for citizenship in India. I don't give a damn about getting trolled. I have earned immense respect and love in India.”

“While my mother is from Jammu, my father was originally from Afghanistan, as my grandfather was the governor of five provinces there, including Herat.”

“I have always believed that there is no such thing as coincidence, and I have always believed in destiny.”

“When Indians have loved and embraced Pakistani artistes, why can't the latter come out in their support when injustice has been meted out to the people? No one wants these artistes to wage a war against their government. People didn't demand that they condemn their own country. They just expected them to say something for the sake of humanity.”

“I come from a very affluent family. I have been educated in one of the finest institutions of the world. Money was never a factor in my life: by the grace of God, I was blessed with a golden spoon.”

“Film songs have so many creative limitations, but a private album is like an autobiography that reflects your state of mind.”

“I want to be able to touch people's heart through my music. I want to bring a smile on every face. In my own humble, small way, I want to touch lives.”

“Recording a Hindi song takes me around 40 minutes whereas a Kannada song takes me about two hours. The music isn't a problem, since the notes used are universal. The language is the problem. I try my best to get it right, as I'm sensitive about respecting every language, since all of them are sacred in my heart.”