I genuinely believe that, physically and emotionally, women are far stronger than men. The amount of pain they have to endure for a childbirth, a man cannot take an ounce of it. A toothache or a stomach upset is the end of our world at times.
— Adnan Sami
'Grateful' is a small word to express my gratitude, as God has blessed me with so many opportunities to restart my life.
I come from a very affluent family. I have been educated in one of the finest institutions of the world. Money was never a factor in my life: by the grace of God, I was blessed with a golden spoon.
My father was a great admirer of music and the arts, so there was always a lot of culture in the house. As it happened, while my father was the ambassador in Portugal, the ambassador's residence had a piano, and so I started learning how to play it at the age of five.
Whenever I have asked something from God and worked hard for it, I have always got it, be it my Indian citizenship or my weight loss.
If my life and music brings a smile or makes a difference in any individual's life, then there is nothing beyond for me as a god's gift.
My independent songs are actually about me, so if you really want to know me, listen to my songs and know what I have been through in my life.
I was too big to even contemplate exercise. I had to use a walking stick and a wheelchair to get around.
I believe that sugar is just as important for our body as salt is, and other natural foods.
The only relationships I wish to honour and keep are with my family and my dear loved ones.
I started playing music when I was about six and didn't discover Indian classical music until I was fifteen. So, essentially, I had a lot of catching up to do.
When my first album came out, it wasn't Bollywood. The love that I received from people was everything, and it still is everything for me.
Music does not have colour or religion. If I listen to a song, I don't care about the colour, religion, or country of the singer. It doesn't matter, even if it is in another language, because I love the music.
Pakistan never valued Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab until English songwriter Peter Gabriel started collaborating with him. After that, the country suddenly realised that they have an amazing talent. This is the story of a lot of artistes there.
Whether it was the 9/11 attacks, Paris shooting, or the attack on the Taj, people across the world mourn the collective loss.
I am not scared of anyone except the Almighty.
I am blessed to be a proud father of a daughter.
I have always believed that there is no such thing as coincidence, and I have always believed in destiny.
I know we live in a materialistic world. I am not living on Cloud Nine; I am not living in Disneyland. I understand all that.
My father was a diplomat and served as Pakistan's ambassador to 14 countries. I was born in London and grew up there and studied and lived in a hostel throughout in London and became a barrister.
India fell in love with me, but I fell in love with India even more.
I can never stop thanking God because my music influences people in their respective lives.
I am like a child when it comes to gizmos and gadgets.
Sometimes it's a beautiful face, sometimes it's a place. I am inspired by everything.
Every human being is unique and reacts differently to different food items. A diet that works for you may not necessarily work for your friend.
My love for my wife Roya is so intense that I gave up alcohol. My love for my father was so great that when he made me promise him that I'd lose weight, I did and lost 167 kg.!
I suppose I am more comfortable with jazz because I have been playing it that much longer, and also because classical music is a much more disciplined genre.
There is nothing more beautiful for a musician to listen and see harmony.
When Indians have loved and embraced Pakistani artistes, why can't the latter come out in their support when injustice has been meted out to the people? No one wants these artistes to wage a war against their government. People didn't demand that they condemn their own country. They just expected them to say something for the sake of humanity.
Pakistan doesn't value its artistes. I will get trolled for what I have said, but that is the reality. It is unfortunate.
Terrorism doesn't have a border. Terrorists attack Mumbai, Peshawar, and also Paris.
Mumbai is home to us. Medina was born in Munich because Roya's family lives in Germany and she had five sisters to help her while I was travelling for work.
When I was obese, I reached a point where I was about to meet death, and I lost weight to restart my life.
For me, everybody is the same. If you are not nice to me, I will say, 'Okay, we will try to make it nice tomorrow.' I am like that. I am not a confrontational person.
I am an incurable romantic. I am even in love with the idea of being in love, and hence, I write a lot of love songs.
While my mother is from Jammu, my father was originally from Afghanistan, as my grandfather was the governor of five provinces there, including Herat.
I am a Mumbaikar. It has a special place in my heart.
God has blessed me with the in-born talent for which I pour my heart out in the form of music.
I had to make lifestyle changes and stick to them for the rest of my life. For instance, I've had to give up bread, rice, sugar, and oil completely.
My songs are my girlfriends. I have a secret romance with all of them. I romance with them year after year.
Film songs have so many creative limitations, but a private album is like an autobiography that reflects your state of mind.
I remember my father playing a cassette for me when I was fifteen - Amjad Ali's 'Durga.' He said, 'This is from our part of the world. You must listen to it.' And I continued rewinding it and listening to it from early evening until midnight. By the end of it, I was nearly in tears.
I love the classic marble inlay work of Arga.
I am a singer; my job is to create music and harmony. Wherever I see harmony, I would go towards there.
The way the Pak government treated me is only testimony to the ill treatment meted out to artistes. There was outrage against me. People were amazed that I had applied for citizenship in India. I don't give a damn about getting trolled. I have earned immense respect and love in India.
While artistes do want peace, it is not their preserve alone. Everyone wants peace just as much.
If it is written in my destiny that I will go back to Pakistan, then I will. I won't be scared of going back.
