Noida: Singer Adnan Sami performs during a programme in Noida on July 2, 2016. (Photo: IANS)
By Natalia Ningthoujam
Noida, July 3 (IANS) Popular singer Adnan Sami, who is of Pakistani descent, says he has always loved Delhi as a city, but after receiving his certificate of Indian citizenship this year, the Indian capital has become a significant part of his personal life.
Sami was born in Britain and was earlier a Canadian citizen. Earlier this year, he received his certificate of Indian citizenship from Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju. After his Indian citizenship, his performance at the Gardens Galleria here on Saturday was his first in Delhi/NCR.
"I've always loved Delhi as a city. But today, Delhi has a significance in my personal life because my life got changed. It's a huge milestone. It's what you call a game changer for me. So, Delhi is very special," the "Lift kara de" hitmaker told IANS before Mirchi Live in concert with Adnan Sami -- his first concert in four years in Delhi/NCR.
What does he think about the Delhi crowd?
"Delhiites are very emotional people. I think that's a beautiful thing. When they love, they love with a tremendous amount of emotion. When they get agitated, the emotions run in that direction as well. It runs both ways. But the most important thing is they are emotional people and I am an emotional guy as well, so I love that."
It's not just his fans in the capital that he regaled; he is set to enthrall others in different countries too. But his fans in Pakistan will have to wait for a while.
"I was in Dubai, then Germany. Pakistan... Let's see. Nothing is planned at the moment. I will go for tour in Australia, the Middle East, South Africa and UK... I've got whole bunch of things planned now," said the "Bheegi bheegi raaton mein" crooner.
Apart from touring, he has Bollywood projects in his kitty.
"I am going to concentrate more on films right now. I am also going to debut as an actor. I am pretty excited about it. I've done quite a few songs as well," he said.
Talking about the music scene in India, he shared that it's going through a lot of transition.
"The model has changed. Earlier you had CDs... You had physical sales. Today, it has become very virtual. Business has changed, but the music is there. I hope the independent scene also picks up. Music in itself is in a pretty good zone right now," said the musician, whose major weight loss often becomes a topic of discussion on various platforms.
He shrugs it off now.
"It's (weight loss topic) very passe for me now. Yes, I lost a lot of weight. I feel great about it. No doubt about that, but I am way over 'Hey, I've lost weight. Let's talk about that'. It's been done to death. I am over that," said the singer, who once reportedly weighed 200 kg.
(Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in)
