Adnan Sami is an Indian singer, musician, music composer, actor and pianist, who is known for performing Indian and Western music, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Urdu. Adnan Sami gained significant acclaim in the US-based Keyboard magazine, where he was described as the fastest keyboard player in the world, and he was called the ‘keyboard discovery of the nineties.’ He received the Padma Shri Award in 2020.
Wiki/Biography
Adnan Sami Khan was born on Sunday, 15 August 1971 (age 53 years; as of 2024) in London, England. His zodiac sign is Leo.
A childhood image of Adnan Sami
He went to Rugby School in Rugby, West Midlands, UK. He earned a bachelor’s degree with a law degree (LLB) from King’s College London. He later qualified as a barrister from Lincoln’s Inn, England.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.): 75kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Body Measurements (approx.): Chest: 40″, Waist: 32″, Biceps: 13″
Family
His paternal lineage has a notable history. His paternal great-great-grandfather, General Ahmed Jan, hailed from Afghanistan and served as a military advisor to King Abdur Rahman Khan. Adnan’s paternal great-grandfather, Agha Mehfooz Jan, held the position of governor in four Afghan provinces during the reign of King Amanullah Khan. He was also the first cousin of the King. However, Agha Mehfooz Jan was assassinated by Habibullah Kalakani, leading to Adnan Sami’s father’s family migrating to Peshawar, then part of British India. Adnan’s paternal grandfather, Abdul Sami Khan, served as the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Parents & Siblings
Adnan Sami’s father, Arshad Sami Khan, hailed from Pakistan and belonged to the Pashtun ethnic group. His father died after battling pancreatic cancer in 2009. His mother, Naureen Sami Khan, was Indian, originally from Jammu. Arshad Sami Khan initially served as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force before transitioning to a career in diplomacy, eventually becoming Pakistan’s ambassador to 14 countries.
Adnan Sami with his parents and brother
He has a brother named Junaid Sami Khan, a singer.
Adnan Sami with his brother
Wife & Children
Sami’s first marriage was to actress Zeba Bakhtiar in 1993, and they had a son named Azaan Sami Khan. They got divorced after three years.
Adnan Sami with Zeba Bakhtiar
Zeba Bakhtiar with her son, Azaan Sami Khan
In 2001, Sami married Sabah Galadari, who was based in Dubai. This was his second marriage and Sabah’s as well; she had a son from her previous marriage. They got divorced after a year and a half. In 2008, Sami’s wife Sabah returned to Mumbai, remarried him, and they began living together again. However, their reconciliation was short-lived, lasting only one year, after which Sabah filed for divorce once more.
Adnan Sami with his second wife Sabah Galadari
On 29 January 2010, Sami married Roya Sami Khan (also known as Roya Faryabi), who is the daughter of a retired diplomat and army general. He first met Roya in India during her visit in 2010 and proposed to her after some time.
A wedding day image of Adnan Sami and Roya Faryabi
On 10 May 2017, they welcomed their daughter, named Medina Sami Khan.
Adnan Sami with Roya Sami Khan and their daughter Medina
Relationships/Affairs
Before getting married to Roya Faryabi, Adnan Sami was in a relationship with her.
Adnan Sami with Roya Faryabi
Religion/Religious Views
He follows Islam.
Nationality/Citizenship
Adnan Sami moved to India on a visitor’s visa starting on 13 March 2001, which was later extended. On 26 May 2015, Adnan Sami applied for Indian citizenship to the Ministry of Home Affairs when his Pakistani passport expired. At that time, he also held Canadian citizenship. He had lived in India for a sufficient duration to qualify for Indian citizenship, so he decided to naturalize as an Indian citizen. In late December 2015, the Indian Home Ministry approved his request for Indian citizenship, effective from 1 January 2016.
Signature/Autograph
Adnan Sami’s signature on his album cover
Career
Singer
Early Career
Adnan Sami’s musical journey began at a young age. He started playing the piano when he was just five and composed his first piece of music at nine. During his school vacations in India, he learned Indian classical music from Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, a renowned santoor maestro. At age ten, Indian singer Asha Bhosle spotted his talent at an R. D. Burman concert in London and encouraged him to pursue music professionally. Adnan is skilled in various genres including Indian and Western classical/semi-classical music, jazz, rock, and pop. As a teenager, he gained recognition for his piano skills, being hailed as the fastest keyboardist by Keyboard magazine. He also received training in Indian classical music from Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. At sixteen, he composed a song for famine-hit Ethiopia, earning a special award from UNICEF.
Singles & Albums
Adnan Sami’s musical journey began with the release of his debut single, ‘Run for His Life,’ in 1986. This English track, recorded for UNICEF, quickly rose to the number one spot on music charts in the Middle East. Following this success, he achieved three more number-one hits with ‘Talk to Me,’ ‘Hot Summer Day,’ and ‘You’re My Best Kept Secret.’ His debut formal album, ‘The One & Only,’ came out in 1989. It featured classical compositions on the piano, accompanied by tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
Poster of the 1989 album ‘The One & Only’
Sami’s first vocal solo album, ‘Raag Time,’ was released in 1991. The title track of his debut album, ‘Teri Yaad,’ became a massive hit in Pakistan. Adnan Sami’s second studio album, ‘Tera Chehra,’ was relesed in October 2002, receiving praise from critics.
Poster of the 2002 album ‘Tera Chehra’
The album had collaborations with Bollywood stars such as Rani Mukerji in the title track and Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Kabhi Nahi,’ where they also sang a duet with Sami. According to Screen Magazine, his 2002 Hindi album ‘Tera Chehra’ stood out as the sole successful pop album of the year. Adnan Sami’s ‘Tera Chehra’ shattered sales records, emerging as India’s top-selling album of 2002, surpassing even film soundtracks. Its success continued into 2003, maintaining its No. 1 position. Notably, it became the best-selling Indian album ever in the U.S. and Canada, including film soundtracks. Since its release in September 2002, the album dominated India’s music charts for over a year, surpassing the No. 1 record set by Sami’s debut album. Adnan Sami’s two most successful albums include ‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ (1997) (with Asha Bhosle) and ‘Tera Chehra’ (2002). His music videos often feature Bollywood stars, such as Namrata Shirodkar (‘Bheegi Bheegi Raat’), Mahima Chaudhry, Raveena Tandon, Rani Mukerji (‘Tera Chehra’), Govinda, Fardeen Khan, Amisha Patel (‘O Meri Jaan’), Bhumika Chawla (‘Maahiya’), Dia Mirza (‘Pal Do Pal’), and Amitabh Bachchan (‘Kabhi Nahi’).
Adnan Sami and Amitabh Bachchan in a still from the Hindi song ‘Kabhi Nahi’
Playback Singer
Urdu
In 1995, he lent her voice to the song ‘Aae Khuda, Aae Khuda, Jis Nay Ki Justuju’ from the Pakistani musical Urdu film ‘Sargam.’
Poster of the 1995 Pakistani film ‘Sargam’
Hindi
In 2001, he lent his voice to the song ‘Tu Sirf Mera Mehboob’ from the Hindi thriller film ‘Ajnabee.’ He has worked as a playback singer in many Hindi films including ‘Saathiya’ (2002), ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ (2003), ‘Garam Masala’ (2005), ‘My Name Is Khan’ (2010), and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ (2015). He performed the qawwali song ‘Bhar Do Jholi Meri’ in the 2015 Hindi film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan.’
Kannada
In 2002, he sang the song ‘Bittaku Bittaku’ from the Kannada film ‘Super Star.’ He lent his voice to the song ‘Suryaane’ from the 2008 Kannada film ‘Dheemaku.’
Tamil
In 2003, he lent his voice to the song ‘Boom Boom’ from the Tamil coming-of-age film ‘Boys.’ He has sung many Tamil songs including ‘Satham Podathey’ (2007), ‘Veeram’ (2014), and ‘Farhana’ (2023).
Telugu
In 2004, he and Kalpana sang the song ‘Ye Jilla’ from the Telugu comedy drama film ‘Shankar Dada MBBS.’ Some of the Telugu films in which he has worked as a playback singer include ‘Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule’ (2007), ‘Devudu Chesina Manushulu’ (2012), ‘Bengal Tiger’ (2015), and ‘Rules Ranjann’ (2023).
Other Languages
In 2005, he sang the song ‘Chanjadiyaadi’ from the Malayalam film ‘Makalkku.’ He lent his voice to the song ‘Bor Bor Manuhor’ from the 2011 Assamese film ‘Poley Poley Urey Mon.’ In 2013, he sang the song ‘Aika Re Aika Re’ from the Marathi film ‘Hridayanath.’
Actor
In 1995, he made his acting debut with the Pakistani musical Urdu film ‘Sargam’ opposite his ex-wife Zeba Bakhtiar. In 2015, he appeared as a singer in the Hindi comedy-drama film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan.’
Adnan Sami in a still from the music video of the 2015 song ‘Bhar Do Jholi Meri’
Music Director and Composer
He has worked as a music director and composer for many Hindi films including ‘Lucky: No Time for Love’ (2005), ‘Dhamaal’ (2007), ‘1920’ (2008), and ‘Chance Pe Dance’ (2010).
Controversies
- In May 2018, during a live performance trip to Kuwait, he accused the immigration officials at a Kuwaiti airport of being disrespectful and mistreating his staff, allegedly referring to them as ‘Indian dogs.’
- In April 2023, a social media post by Adnan Sami’s brother Junaid caused a stir when it went viral. Junaid made several claims about Adnan’s background, education, and personal life. According to Junaid, Adnan was born in a Rawalpindi hospital on 15 August 1969, contrary to Adnan’s assertion of being born in England. Junaid alleged that Adnan failed his O levels in England and obtained his degrees from Lahore, later completing his A levels privately in Abu Dhabi. He also accused Adnan of releasing a controversial video involving his second wife, Sabah Galadari. Junaid claimed that Adnan never supported his musical career and suggested that Adnan acquired Indian citizenship for financial gain. Additionally, Junaid disclosed that Adnan concealed his Indian citizenship from their mother. Junaid further alleged that Adnan had been imprisoned in Canada during a significant raid, leading to their father’s loss of his ambassadorial position and subsequent health issues. Eventually, Junaid removed the social media post containing these accusations against Adnan Sami.
Awards, Honours, Achievements
- Special award by UNICEF for the song he wrote for famine-hit Ethiopia as a teenage
- United Nations Peace Medal for a song he wrote and performed for Africa
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year by MTV in 2001
- In 2003, Adnan Sami achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the sole Asian artist to sell out Wembley Stadium in London for two consecutive nights. This achievement earned him a coveted spot in the Limca Book of Records. He repeated the achievement in 2005, 2008 and 2012.
- Special Award from the UK Parliament (House of Commons) for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sub-Continental Music’ in 2007
- Naushad Music Award by Andhra Pradesh Department of Culture in 2008
- Best International Act at the UK Asian Music Awards in 2008
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2010
- Glory of India Award in 2011
- BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award by the President of The BrandLaureate, Dr KK Johan, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2013
- Special Award by the Canadian Parliament for his ‘Exceptional Services to Indian Music’ in 2013
- Padma Shri in 2020
Adnan Sami receiving Padma Shri from President Ram Nath Kovind
- 2021: Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award for outstanding contribution to music industry
Adnan Sami’s Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award 2021
Car Collection
He owns a BMW car and a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.
Adnan Sami getting in his BMW car
Adnan Sami getting in his Mercedes-Maybach GLS600
Favourites
- Food: Choco Lava Cake, Banana Muffin, Kebab, Apple Strudel
- Restaurant: Kabul Restaurant (Munich)
- Travel Destination: Salzburg
Facts/Trivia
- Adnan Sami has earned the name ‘Sultan of Music.’
- Sami is known for his versatility as a musician, as he can play up to 35 different instruments including guitar, accordion, saxophone, violin, drums, bongos, congas, harpsichord, santoor, sitar, and sarod.
- He is a foodie and also loves to cook food.
- As part of BBC World Service’s celebration of 70 years of broadcasting, they organized a global live concert in December 2002, featuring artists from around the world performing for a global audience via satellite. Adnan Sami was chosen to represent India in this event. Feedback on the event’s viewership indicated that Sami’s performance received the highest global response.
- In 2006, Adnan Sami faced a serious health crisis, weighing 230 kilograms. His knees developed lymphedema, requiring surgery and rendering him bedridden for about three months. Concerned about his survival, his doctor emphasized the urgent need to lose weight. With his father’s encouragement, Adnan relocated to Houston to undergo weight loss treatment. At his heaviest, he relied on a walker for support and could only walk a few steps without resting. Following a low-carbohydrate, protein-rich diet and regular exercise regimen, Adnan managed to shed his excess weight naturally. His remarkable journey from over 200 kilograms to just 70 kilograms spanned about a year and a half.
Adnan Sami before and after losing weight
- In an interview, Adnan Sami, who once weighed more than 230 kg, discussed that he lost 120 kgs for survival, he said,
In 2006, doctors had given me an ultimatum of six months to live because I was grossly overweight. I was 230 kilos. They said ‘if you are not going to do anything, you are gonna go’. It was a do-or-die situation. A lot of people started wondering why I suddenly had this drastic weight loss. I was doing it for survival. I wanted to live. There was no better motivation than that. I was fortunate to come across a wonderful nutritionist who walked me through it and explained to me ‘listen, if you look at like a bulk, it is going to look like a mountain. But if you take baby steps, you will be able to do it’. And that’s what I focused on rather than looking at the larger picture. I took it one step at a time. I did not think I would end up losing so much weight.”
- In 2008, he hosted ‘Bol Baby Bol,’ an Indian adaptation of the American music game show ‘Don’t Forget the Lyrics.’
- Adnan Sami has earned recognition as the fastest keyboard player in the world by Swedish and British radio and television. His musical prowess has taken him to prestigious music festivals and sold-out stadiums worldwide, spanning over forty countries.
- As a classical concert pianist, Adnan Sami has showcased his talents by performing before distinguished audiences, including the King of Sweden, the King Hussein of Jordan, the President Mitterrand of France, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, the Prime Minister of Sweden, and Princess Christina of Sweden.
- In April 2017, Adnan Sami made history by becoming the first South Asian to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium eight times. On all eight occasions, tickets were sold out, demonstrating his immense popularity. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was among the attendees at the concert.
- In July 2022, he made headlines by deleting all his existing Instagram posts and sharing a new post featuring a clipping with the text ‘Alvida’ (goodbye) flashing on it.
- He follows a non-vegetarian diet.
Adnan Sami having a non-vegetarian meal
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education