“Jai Hind!” Beloved Singer Adnan Sami Just Became an Indian Citizen

Adnan Sami, the Pakistan-born singer who became hugely popular in India after his hit song "Lift Kara De", is now officially an Indian citizen — and he's thrilled about it. As are we!

By Vandita Kapoor

January 2, 2016

Adnan Sami, who became a household name in India in the early 2000s after his hit “Lift Kara De”, is now officially Indian.

Sami, born in Pakistan in 1973, became a naturalised Indian citizen yesterday. He recieved a citizenship certificate from Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

adnan sami indian citizen

Source: Twitter

What a great way to start the new year!

When asked if he was worried about intolerance in India, Sami said that he, personally, had never experienced any discrimination on the basis of his religion.

“Had there been intolerance, I would not have taken Indian citizenship. I have never experienced intolerance,” he said.

adnan sami indian citizen

Source: Twitter

Sami is clearly happy about his new citizenship — on the microblogging website Twitter, he has been posting pictures of himself in the colours of the the Indian flag.

A New Beginning… A New Feeling… A New Belonging… A New Love Affair… A New Country… JAI HIND!!!?????pic.twitter.com/3wxoJFSJEf
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 1, 2016

He has also tweeted a line from the movie “Gandhi”, highlighting how great he feels to be officially Indian:

“I’ve traveled so far. And all I’ve done is come back… home.” (Quote from the movie ‘Gandhi’) #sotrue #Icanrelate pic.twitter.com/Wqtz5UIqXK
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 2, 2016

The 42-year-old singer had first come to India in 2001 on a visa that was valid for one year; it has since been extended numerous times. In May 2015, his Pakistani passport expired and was not renewed by Islamabad. The Home Ministry granted him citizenship after he asked the Centre to legalise his status in India on humanitarian grounds.

He lives in Mumbai.

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