Adnan Sami compares receiving Indian citizenship to Bharat Ratna after 16-year wait: 'I was only allowed to travel in India'

Adnan Sami Khan has showcased his talent across Indian and Western music traditions in multiple languages. Honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, he recently shared in an interview the long, 16-year wait he endured before obtaining Indian citizenship and ultimately receiving this distinguished accolade.Reflecting on Receiving the Padma ShriTalking to Bollywood Bubbles, Sami reflected on the moment he received the Padma Shri from former President Ram Nath Kovind. He shared that such significant milestones always make him miss his parents deeply, adding, “I’ll tell you something, whenever this is a big moment in my life, that’s when I really, really miss my parents. And this is one of those moments, I know that my father would have been the proudest ever.”

Recalling the ceremony in 2023, he said that sitting in the hall, he felt its profound historical significance, thinking, “this is such a historical hall.

There’s so much history that has happened.”A Journey Worth CelebratingHe further expressed that being celebrated and honored for his life journey felt deeply meaningful. Despite the ups and downs and challenges he faced, he believed it was all worth it and wouldn’t change a thing because his current position reflects that journey. He wished his parents, who had supported him throughout, were present to share the moment, as it would mean the world to him. He described, "getting the citizenship was like getting the Bharat Ratna.

I waited for 16 years, with 18 months when I was stateless, during which I didn’t have my passport. I was only allowed to travel in India". He recalled feeling scared, vulnerable, and uncertain about what was happening during that period.