Adnan thanked veteran Indian singer Asha Bhosle after he was honoured with the Padma Shri award. He said that she played a very important role in his career. Adnan Sami was the lead actor of Pakistani film Sargam (1995) in which Asha Bhosle sang a song. They later collaborated for Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao (2000). In an interview with The Quint, he expressed his gratitude towards his family and Asha Bhosle after receiving the award. “Apart from my father, my mother, and my wife Roya, I would like to thank everybody I’ve met in my life. Also, everybody who has worked with me, especially Asha Bhosle because my first record that came out in India was a duet with her. She played a very important role in my career,” he said. “I wouldn’t have gotten this honour if not for the love I’ve received from the people of India. This is one of the most prestigious and incredible moments of my life and I’ll never be able to thank God enough for it… You know, we’re in Delhi and it’s one of my favourite places in the world because some of the most amazing things have happened to me in Delhi. I got my citizenship here. I got my Padma Shri here. We’re celebrating with family and friends. (I’ll) keep pinching myself till it sinks in,” he added.President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Adnan Sami Khan for Art. He is a world renowned and celebrated music composer, concert pianist, singer and actor. pic.twitter.com/8ybkPIqhJR
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 8, 2021
After being conferred with Padma Shri, Adnan spoke to news agency ANI and said, “Sometimes you don’t have words to express yourself. Thankful to the government. Thankful to people, nothing is possible without them. I dedicate this to my father-mother. It’s not only an honour but also a responsibility, which I’ll try to carry out well.”View this post on Instagram
Other recipients of the Padma Shri this year from the world of arts included Kangana Ranaut, Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor and late singer SP Balasubramaniam.View this post on Instagram

