‘My father said he doesn’t want me to die before him’

Singer Adnan Sami talks about what made his resolution to lose weight stronger, and why he opted for Indian citizenship

Singer Adnan Sami (above) said the greatest lesson he learnt in life was the journey he went through while losing weight.

His determination became stronger after his father who was suffering from pancreatic cancer, insisted that Adnan undergo a medical check up as well. “After my check-up, the doctor pronounced before my father I won’t survive for long given my weight. My father then told me he doesn’t want me to die before him. That made me determined to lose weight. I shed 160 kg in six years,” the Pakistan-born singer, who is now an Indian citizen, said at a wellness event on Tuesday.

At the event, the singer also spoke about what made him opt for Indian citizenship.

“I have lived in India for 17 years. India is my ‘karambhoomi’. I have lived in various countries but my heart was always in India due to the love showered on me by the people here.”

“I had my ups and downs in getting the citizenship. But ultimately, I got it and I am happy about it, he said, adding, “I like India. I am a proud Indian,” he added.

Adnan, who now lives in Mumbai, was granted Indian citizenship with effect from January 1, 2016, after he appealed to the Home Ministry on humanitarian grounds.

The doctor pronounced I won’t survive for long, given my weight. My father then told me he doesn’t want me to die before him. That made me determined to lose weight ADNAN SAMI, SINGER