Adnan Sami centre of political debate -- and Twitter spat too

Pakistani-origin musician Adnan Sami was at the centre of a raging political debate on Monday with the ruling BJP and the LJP saying he is highly deserving of the Padma Shri while the opposition Congress questioned the merit of the award and the NCP labelled it an insult.

As parties across the spectrum debated his contribution to India, Sami, who became an Indian citizen in 2016 and on Sunday expressed his "infinite gratitude" at being chosen for the government award, did not mince his words in hitting out at his critics.

The 46-year-old, who has carved out a career in Hindi film music as a composer and a singer, was part of an unseemly Twitter spat with Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill and also many political discussions, ranging from the controversy over the Citizenship Amendment Act to his father's past as a Pakistani Air Force pilot.

Taking umbrage at Shergill's statement that his recognition was due to his sycophancy, an irate Sami said on Twitter, "Hey kid, did you get your brain from a Clearance Sale' or from a second hand novelty store? Did they teach you in Berkeley that a son is to be held accountable or penalised for the acts of his parents?"
The singer hit back saying, "Don't u dare presume to talk about my sacred relationship with my late illustrious father 'bachay' (kid)!"