June 03, 2025: Singer and composer Adnan Sami has revealed that the Pakistani government denied him a visa to attend his mother Begum Naureen’s funeral in October 2024. Despite receiving permission from Indian authorities to travel, Adnan was unable to say his final goodbye in person and had to witness the funeral through a WhatsApp video.
Speaking to India TV, the Pakistan-born artist shared the emotional experience, saying, “I asked the Indian government if they had any objection to me traveling. They said, ‘Of course not, your mother has passed away. You must go.’ There was no problem from their side.”
However, the Pakistani authorities rejected his visa application despite his repeated requests. “I said, ‘My mother has passed away.’ Still, they denied it. I couldn’t go. I saw the whole funeral through a WhatsApp video,” Adnan said.
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Begum Naureen’s passing came as a shock to the family as she had no prior health concerns. Adnan, born in London to a Pakistani Air Force officer and diplomat, has often spoken about the deteriorating political environment in Pakistan, which led to his decision to take Indian citizenship in 2016.
The Padma Shri awardee also addressed claims that he chose Indian citizenship for financial reasons. Refuting them, he said, “I was fortunate to be born into a wealthy family. I left behind property worth crores in Pakistan and started from scratch in India. An artist seeks an audience, and I received immense love in both countries, but everyone desires growth.”
This deeply personal revelation adds another layer to Adnan Sami’s long-standing and complex relationship with his country of birth.