The passing of Asha Bhosle on Sunday morning has left the music world grieving. For singer Adnan Sami, her loss also brings back memories of a turning point that changed his life. Sami, who became an Indian citizen in 2016, has spoken about feeling sidelined by the Pakistani music industry early in his career.

In an interview with India TV in 2025, he recalled how Bhosle’s advice helped him find a new path. “After I released a few songs in 1998, people in the Pakistani music industry just decided I was done,” he said. “There was no promotion, no marketing. It disappeared like it never existed. That really broke me,” he added.

Living in Canada at the time, Sami reached out to Bhosle. “I told Asha ji, ‘I’m dejected…’ and asked if we could record in London.” Her response changed everything. “She said, ‘Why London? Come to Mumbai. This is where magic happens’.”

Sami followed that advice. “Main boriya bistar le ke pahuch gaya Mumbai,” he recalled, adding that Bhosle and her family welcomed him warmly. “She made me stay in RD Burman’s house.”

What followed was a career-defining phase. Kabhi To Nazar Milao and Lift Karadey became massive hits. “The love and acceptance I received… I never imagined it,” Sami said.