Melodious high
Adnan Sami doesn’t sing; he lives a song. Such joyful exuberance in every rendition can only come from a virtuous love for music. Rajeev Nair asks him five questions
Adnan Sami’s fingers are stout, the first-third of the digits a slight taper; they are the wands of this magical musician, the “fastest keyboard player in the world.”
He lifts them heaven-ward; heaven knows how much more of musical spells they would cast. Assuring a perpetual lift-off of melodious highs, Sami continues to sing.
Friendly, rollicking, a laughter Zen.
If he had continued on his regard for words, a legacy and by design — he is a journalism graduate who also pursued a law degree — his penned words would have one fine day started singing out. Such is the man’s devotion to music, singing.
Sami’s parents loved music, and the nine-year-old from Pakistan was spotted by BBC at a concert, and presented him on air. Taking piano lessons in the UK, picking up the nuances of song writing and orchestration, the prodigy in Sami was noticed by Asha Bhosle, who advised him to pursue music lessons. Years later, Sami, a self-acknowledged fan of RD Burman, the renowned Indian music director, was to work with her on music albums.
Sami did popular Pakistani albums before working with Indian singers and music directors. Breaking the rigidities of geographical boundaries, egging on despite the occasional nagging of fellow musicians — chiefly the unsure ones, who need Bollywood’s filmy back-up, Sami has emerged as one of the towering music personalities of the Indian sub-continent. He strikes a chord with his absolute involvement in music and has earned the respect of fans the world over.
Moving the incurable romantic hearts with his Kabhi tho nazar milao and Bheegi, bheegi raaton mein, storming into the living rooms and the hearts of children with his Lift karadey song, being the bubbly foil to the legendary Amitabh (Big) Bachchan’s towering personality in the Kabhi nahi single of his third album, Tera Chehra, and making his presence felt with the countless number of Indian film songs through his inimitable voice that no doubt comes from the depth of his heart, Sami is on a roll.
He has sung in regional Indian languages too; all bearing the stamp of Sami — a resonating presence that grows on listeners. Boom boom, he sings for AR Rahman’s latest hit, the Tamil, Boys. And his sounds take on life, as evocative as ever.
He was in Dubai for the Middle East leg of the world tour, Adnan Sami Live in Concert. Time Out asks him five questions:
You are now an integral part of the Indian music industry; your albums sell well, you sing playback for virtually every other film. How do you rate the Indian music scene?
I think it is very progressive, and the good thing is that has evolved an awareness and style that has a tremendous cross-over feel. It is gradually coming into the mould of world music keeping its true origins, the Indian-ness intact, which I think is marvellous.
Who do you believe has facilitated this change, and how would you rate your own contribution?
Any form of evolution never takes place overnight or in a matter of a few years. It takes many years. If you think about it, a lot of progression (to the Indian music scene) started to happen from the time of RD Burman, and that has started to have a snowball effect. It is wonderful now that a lot of people are trying to contribute in their own respective way. I am making just a humble contribution.
You do a lot of playback singing. Does that take your creative energy away from making your own music?
No, not at all. Working with other composers is a wonderful learning experience, and it is important to keep learning. I have my own style and approach to music as a composer.
Do you have an exceptionally strong synergy with AR Rahman?
It is always a complete delight working with him. A tremendous amount of energy comes into the room when we are together. I really enjoy working with him.
Pardon the parochial note: But is it true that you are travelling on an Indian passport?
Well, I have before me a number of options (regarding citizenship). I am just considering them.
