Adnan Sami officially granted Indian citizenship; thanks govt for 'precious & beautiful' gift

Pakistani singer Adnan Sami was on Friday officially granted Indian citizenship following his request to the Centre to legalise his status in the country on humanitarian grounds.

Sami was granted citizenship by Minister of State for MHA Kiran Rijiju at Home Ministry.

Speaking to media, Sami said, "I am eternally grateful to the Indian Government and to the people who have given me so much love and affection."

The 46-year-old singer, who has made India his second home for the past few years, had made a representation to the Home Ministry on May 26 this year requesting his stay in India on humanitarian grounds.

WATCH: Adnan Sami sings 'Teri oonchi shaan hai maula,meri arzi maan le maula' after being granted Indian citizenship https://t.co/CnCO6gHMUK

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 1, 2016

Lahore-born Sami had first arrived in India on March 13, 2001 on a visitor's visa with the validity of one year which was issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

His visa was extended from time to time. His Pakistani passport issued on May 27, 2010 expired on May 26, 2015 and his passport was not renewed by the Pakistan government, which led him to approach the Indian government with the request to legalise his stay in India on humanitarian grounds.

Sami's songs like 'Kabhi To Nazar Milao' and 'Lift Karaa De', were a sensation in the early 2000s.

This year, the singer tasted success after his song 'Bhar Do Jholi Meri' in Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan became a smash hit.