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Adnan Sami celebrates being an Indian

Adnan Sami celebrates being an Indian

Sami, who has spent more than a decade living in Mumbai, was granted Indian citizenship on New Year's eve.
Updated 04 Jan, 2016

The famous singer and composer Adnan Sami celebrated his newly granted Indian citizenship by posing for photographs as he hoisted the Indian flag at his residence in Mumbai.

Sami, who has spent more than a decade living in Mumbai, was granted Indian citizenship on New Year's eve, January 1, 2016.

Adnan Sami poses as he celebrates being granted Indian citizenship. —AFP
Adnan Sami poses as he celebrates being granted Indian citizenship. —AFP

In an interview published by The Times of India, Sami said, “My belief in destiny was absolutely well founded because I was born on August 15 — look at the irony, it could have been 14th, but no, He made sure I was born on the 15th of August — so that was the hint number one.”

“When you want something that is very dear to you, somewhere along the line, you become the child. I certainly do. Today, I literally felt like a kid in a candy store; 2015 went by and God decided on the 31st, last ball pe sixer maar diya. I was like, wow! What a finale,” Sami was quoted as saying by the Indian daily.

Sami was granted Indian citizenship on New Year's eve. —AFP
Sami was granted Indian citizenship on New Year's eve. —AFP

The 43-year-old singer — whose earlier request for Indian citizenship was rejected some two years ago — made his application to the Foreigners’ Division of the Indian home ministry in March 2015.

Sami with his powerful Indian contacts also made several representations to Home Minister Rajnath Singh about his citizenship.

Sami has been living in India on a business and professional visa for many years. In May, he requested the home ministry to extend his stay on humanitarian grounds.

His visa had been previously extended from time to time, but his Pakistani passport was about to expire on May 26. When the Pakistani government refused to renew his passport, he was forced to apply for Indian citizenship.

Comments

syed wasim haider Jan 03, 2016 10:42pm
Do not insult your dharti. rest is all OK.
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Khan Jan 03, 2016 10:44pm
Good luck to Adnan, the grass is not always green on the other side
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Syed Jan 03, 2016 10:44pm
When Pakistani peoples can take citizenship of Europe or west so what is the issue if he took of India? If i remember correctly he left Pakistan because he knew his opponents are very strong. This is also an example of lawlessness in our country. This lawlessness still same even after decade!
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a Jan 03, 2016 10:45pm
Its a non issue. A guy wanted to be Indian for better work prospects. He got it. What's the big deal ?
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paggrri sambhal Jan 03, 2016 10:45pm
Chalo no big deal,stay happy there and entertain us with gud music.
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Angry Pitbull Jan 03, 2016 10:48pm
Look at the joy and happiness in his face........................Proud and Happy to see the Tri colour fluttering behind him
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munsif Jan 03, 2016 10:48pm
wow, he really made hectic efforts in getting slim, great
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Shashank Jan 03, 2016 10:49pm
Well all the best for your future endeavors :)
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SYED MUHAMMAD HASSAN GILLANI Jan 03, 2016 10:50pm
Suits himself.
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M. Emad Jan 03, 2016 10:52pm
Congratulation Adnan Sami ! Hope, 2016 will be a peaceful and productive year for you . . .
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Sarah1 Jan 03, 2016 10:52pm
Good for you. You are in a safe country
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Azim Jan 03, 2016 10:57pm
Super Good!! Congrats!!!
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Thinker Jan 03, 2016 10:58pm
Everyone should live were ever he/she feel Happy and comfortable. Freedom freedom is humans firs right. No country - no pass - no religion = no problem .
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Kailash Jan 03, 2016 10:59pm
You made a good choice of your loyalty. We ensure you that you won't repent this decision.
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UnshacklePak Jan 03, 2016 11:06pm
Good for him. A person isn't a slave to a geographic boundary. I wish him all the best if he can find solace in India.
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noshin Jan 03, 2016 11:07pm
The 43 year old has now become 28 years old with Indian nationality at his credit...........
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Vivek (Indore) Jan 03, 2016 11:09pm
We welcome Adnan on our holy pure land.
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NASH Jan 03, 2016 11:10pm
Hope he finds health, peace and prosperity in his new home.
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noshin Jan 03, 2016 11:11pm
he is posing to celebrate Indian citizenship, the love for one's country can never be sabotaged...
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Sher Khan Jan 03, 2016 11:12pm
Enjoy if you think and can?? You will also face the music like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir.
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Zubair Jan 03, 2016 11:13pm
OK I can understand his career coming before his country. But he somehow is turning his self-serving career struggle in to a glorification story. Its a scientific fact that extreme reduction in weight can adversely affect your brain functions. I'm guessing he lost some of his marbles with all that fat.
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Bilal Jan 03, 2016 11:14pm
Good for him. If he's happy we're happy.
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Yossarian Jan 03, 2016 11:16pm
Congratulations on your Indian citizenship Mr. Sami. Hope you do your new home proud.
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Faisal Jan 03, 2016 11:18pm
Congratulations Adnan Sami for being an Indian, seriously it doesnt matter.
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Mir,Jehan Zeb , M.D. California USA Jan 03, 2016 11:23pm
It has more to do with earning a livelihood in Bollywood than anyhing else. Thousands of immigrants from all over the World who came for searching for economic opportunities become U.S . Citizens every year.
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AHS Jan 03, 2016 11:25pm
Congratulations to the Man - So what Most Pakistani would love to have U.S. British & Canadian Nationality so why not Indian nationality ! Congratulations Sami
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sid Jan 03, 2016 11:39pm
Welcome to India Adnan Sami. Keep making awesome music as always
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SK Jan 03, 2016 11:45pm
Warm welcome to civilized country.
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Muhammad Jan 04, 2016 12:13am
I wonder why Pakistan declined to renew his passport.
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Adil Jadoon Jan 04, 2016 12:16am
Good for him and best of luck. Where you live or what passport you have really means nothing in this day and age. We all have our own ways of achieving satisfaction and our country of birth is not always the best place to do it. Ones heart is where one's family and friends are and that is what really matters. I wonder why and how the Pakistanis can refure to extend his passport??? it is not a personal decision? if he was born here he has a right to have a Pakistani passport.
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Suganth Jan 04, 2016 12:28am
Congratulations Adnan ! We welcome you to India and we are happy that you chose to make India as your new home.
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NaaMaloom Jan 04, 2016 12:46am
Should be citizen of the year !! Congratulations
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Dn Jan 04, 2016 01:13am
@Zubair "Its a scientific fact that extreme reduction in weight can adversely affect your brain functions. " What are you reading? Or drinking ? Or smoking?
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Yaar Nawab Jan 04, 2016 01:28am
According to Wikipedia "Khan was born on 15 August 1973 in London, United Kingdom", so a UK citizen (with Pakistani dual citizenship) replaced his dual with Indian citizenship - not a big deal I am just saying he was not a born Pakistani !!!
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Eli Jan 04, 2016 01:50am
You should be where your heart is....he deserves it thoroughly !
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mukul Jan 04, 2016 02:06am
guns couldn't prove to be decisive in finding a solution to Indo-Pak rivalry....I hope music could.. welcome Adnan ... we are overwhelmed to have a talent of your kind to be part of our country.
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Historicevents Jan 04, 2016 02:09am
Relations between the two neighbors are improving these days,Pakistan & India should include in agenda of forth coming "Composite Dialogue"the easy travel and enhance people to people contact,so why not allow dual nationality to people of both nations on application,the criteria could be work out.The issue of divided families could also be resolved by allowing dual nationality.The majority of today's world nations are allowing dual nationalities except very few.
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saber Jan 04, 2016 02:42am
But, Pakistan gave him stepping stone in music industry. He failed to compete with Pakistani young stars.
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Zia Jan 04, 2016 03:31am
Welcome Home Adman! India loves you. And thanks to the BJP government for grating you citizenship (the previous Congress govt denied you citizenship for no reasonother than politcis) Its very clear that all of India loves you..This is your homeland and you belong in India.
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Khalid, UK Jan 04, 2016 03:36am
Could we do an exchange and take Amir Khan please.
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Salim Khan Jan 04, 2016 03:50am
Wow! He has a Porsche Boxster? He is really enjoying life in India.
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LandOfPure Jan 04, 2016 04:37am
Talented and brilliant people who will enhance the colorful fabric of India are always welcome to this rich and varied country.
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Assad Jan 04, 2016 04:48am
Adnan Sami is free to take up any citizenship he wants, Indian, American, Canadian, British or whatever other he wishes. There are countless Pakistanis like him all over the world. Sami sahib, enjoy your Indian citizenship but don't forget your roots!
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Narinder Dogra Jan 04, 2016 04:59am
@Muhammad Some people collect stamps and some people collect coins. So there is nothing wrong with collecting passports?
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schal Jan 04, 2016 05:08am
@syed wasim haider The dharti has no boundaries. Borders are superficial.
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Rehana Jan 04, 2016 05:28am
Home is where your heart is. Best of luck.
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Sid Jan 04, 2016 06:17am
Lets wish for a future where more Indians, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis can freely settle and live across borders. Let our people have more choices of the cities to live in. Let the trade and business increase employment. And let our state spend on welfare more then weapons. This is not impossible to achieve, but needs a steep effort of building trust and working together. Congrats to Adnan and to all who were granted citizenship of place they feel home.
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Arun Jan 04, 2016 06:19am
Welcome, Adnan. Happy New Year!
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mohamad USA Jan 04, 2016 06:25am
The thing is , how best & comfortable a person feels in the country he chose to live in. My choice is US his is India, good for him.
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Najam Saeed Jan 04, 2016 06:27am
I wish Adnan Sami good luck and happiness in his "new" home. I also hope that he continues to treat us with excellent music. He is indeed a very talented and determined person.
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ramesh manghirmalani Jan 04, 2016 06:28am
Welcome to India my friend- and May you find Happiness
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SubhVratChowder Jan 04, 2016 06:44am
@syed wasim haider According to wikipedia, Khan was born on 15 August 1973 in London, United Kingdom[12] to a Pakistani Pashtun father named Arshad Sami Khan,[6] and an Indian Kashmiri mother named Naureen Khan who hailed from Jammu. Which dharti are you referring to ?
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H Rokerya Jan 04, 2016 06:47am
Adnan Sami is a British citizen also
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SAJe Jan 04, 2016 06:47am
So he became Indian because he was born on Aug 15th instead of 14th. Does it mean that all people born in Pakistan on Aug 15th are destined to be Indians, and all people born in India on Aug 14th are destined to be Pakistanis?! What stupid logic he uses!
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SRINI Jan 04, 2016 06:59am
Now pakistan can take Sania Mirza :)
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raw is war Jan 04, 2016 07:06am
When did Adnan become so slim?
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Just here Jan 04, 2016 07:23am
He has Uk,Canadian, Pakistani and now Indian citizen ship. He's bowling citizenships:D
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Hitesh Jan 04, 2016 07:29am
Congratulations! Being Indian citizen doesn't mean being against Pakistan. Hope, Adnan become a friendship bridge between two countries.
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Kevin Jan 04, 2016 07:54am
You are no stranger for us in India. You have become part of us long ago. It was only the paper work that made the difference this time.
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Confused Jan 04, 2016 08:00am
Is it the same Adnan Sami Khan singer, who used to be 1000 lbs in weight ? or a different thing ? If same, then I would like to have the recipe for weight loss. If being born on August 15, is the clue to become an Indian citizen, then what about the other billion plus Indian citizens ? Were they all born on 15th August. Boy, that would be a very busy time in India, for the Indian maternity professionals, but just for a week in an year. What do they do for the rest of the year ?
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UFO Jan 04, 2016 08:25am
His mother was an Indian. He automatically deserved Indian citizenship I guess. What made India to think for decades to decide upon his application? Was he not 100% welcome by country he is celebrating for? Just pondering
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Sanjay Rao Jan 04, 2016 08:25am
Hearty Welcome to Adnan Sami. But, remember Indian scriptures say mother and mother land is above all. So, do not forget your mother land whatever the color of your passport is.
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Masood Jan 04, 2016 08:46am
Congratulation ! do you still remember your days in Texas ?
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Reality Bites Jan 04, 2016 08:51am
Just reverting to his parents' or grandparents' citizenship. Thats ok people lets not get over excited and emotional about it.
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GAWAL MANDI YA Jan 04, 2016 08:59am
He wanted it,he got it,end of story.A piece of paper doesn't make a bit of difference,he's been living there for years,no one was talking about it,why all of a sudden the hate? After all,lots of our grand parents and family moved from India to Pakistan in 1947 and became Pakistanis.Lets move on,it is what it is.
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Indian Jan 04, 2016 09:00am
hope citizenship is also granted to hundreds of Pakistani women who are married to Indians and waiting for their turn for years . http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-dream-eludes-many-from-Pakistan/articleshow/50412024.cms
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shekar Jan 04, 2016 09:25am
The world is globalized. Nationality wationality kya yar. You have god given talent for music. Don’t forsake. Other things I don’t know. Be happy & achieve your desires.
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Nomi Jan 04, 2016 09:41am
so ......
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irfan Jan 04, 2016 09:44am
Come on Adnan, if anyone born on August 15 it means he will be Indian?....Joke of the day!!!...... we wish you all the best for your future career ahead in Indian film industry but, at least, don't pass such jokes.......your birth date has nothing to do with your Indian citizenship, in fact, it is your personal choice......
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nickymb Jan 04, 2016 09:51am
I know a lot of comments are edited here, but I'm still surprised to know that there are many a Pakistani people who support Sami's decision and are actually happy about it. We, as a nation, welcome anybody who wants to be part of our culture... Hope we've a lot of like-minded people (who respect others' wishes) on each side of the border which will ultimately bring us what we all want - peace!
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N KHAN Jan 04, 2016 10:13am
All the best Sir !
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SA Chandio Jan 04, 2016 10:36am
Lol me personally wouldn't give a damn I'm an American citizen but I love my Pakistan more than ever.
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S P Das Jan 04, 2016 10:37am
@Sher Khan Shahrook and Amir are apples of the eyes of Indians. They will never even think of leaving mother India.
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AZAAD Jan 04, 2016 11:13am
May you have many happy years in India and continue to make great music for us in Pakistan and India. May you prosper and make Pakistan and India proud.
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AZAAD Jan 04, 2016 11:17am
@Sher Khan Why rain on every parade, bhai? Let us hope that one day, it wont matter whether you are Indian or Pakistani. Both can love respect and cherish each other. Yea, yea, yea.... in spite of Kashmir, Mumbai.... and whatever is continually drummed up to keep them divided........ Once that is done, every issue will be resolved... without that, only defeat, misery and poverty.
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Akteruzzaman Chowdhury Jan 04, 2016 11:27am
"Sultan of Music" where are your chubby cheeks? Do you have the same voice, without those heavy cheeks?
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NHA Jan 04, 2016 11:32am
Adnan, Good Luck. I know your father. A good man. Enjoy. But please do not Insult Pakistan and do not say you are of Pak origin when you do something stupid or funny. Own in you own name and only blame your self. God bless,
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Jehangir Jan 04, 2016 11:34am
Man congrats on becoming Indian...but all I actually wanted to say after seeing you in pics was.. DUDE...how did loose all fo them pounds...
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AK Jan 04, 2016 11:48am
Congratulations! Is it love for the country or love of money? I guess we will never know.
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Saima Jan 04, 2016 11:53am
Good for him.....
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Saima Jan 04, 2016 11:59am
Him being a Pakistani or Indian, what does it really matter? It is not significant, period. We are happy for Adnan.
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Nation Jan 04, 2016 12:47pm
There is no point in commenting on his decision negatively as he is already in India for decades and he has got more experience than who are advising him. He is a mature person to decided what is good or bad for him and his career. People across the men made border share common culture and history. His citizenship is an administrative issue which gives him more flexibility and saves him from daily life hassles. Hope he will keep serving the humanity with his lovely songs and help them to forget sorrow and hardships of life. He will now have an additional responsibility to push for peace between the two country, one where he is born and grown-up and another which gave him identity and recognition. Congrats Shami for your new journey!!
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Dr.khizar hayat sargana Jan 04, 2016 12:48pm
we are humans and all brothers and sisters. everyone have own respect according to his talents. everyone is free in choice of residence and private life.wish him good luck
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Dr Accountant Jan 04, 2016 12:53pm
If he can get slim then anyone can !
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Afghan Jan 04, 2016 01:04pm
Congratulations for the great India citizenship, I know that you have an attachment with Afghanistan as well, being married to Afghan lady. So, you have triangle leverage to bring together the three countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India through your bounds, fans and your sweet voice with music rhythms.
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Ihsan khan Jan 04, 2016 01:07pm
Residing in Malaysia as permanent resident of this country, just recently I went to the Pakistan high commission to renew my passport and gone through the whole suffering and humiliation for no reason in the hands some of the incompetent officers at Pakistan Embassy. I also feel want to renounce my citizenship as i am really hurt. i witness they treat most of of their own country men like rubbish. i do not know who to complain. no one seems care.
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Einstein Babar Jan 04, 2016 01:09pm
This is not a news, if somebody can tell me how he became so slim, that will be great news.
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prince Jan 04, 2016 01:12pm
It means all pakistanis born on 15 August, shall turn to India?... no way
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Mubashir Jan 04, 2016 01:15pm
Its very ordinary.
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Krishna Telgave Jan 04, 2016 01:36pm
@Khalid, UK sure why not!
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humanity Jan 04, 2016 01:39pm
@Einstein Babar @ he lost So much weight through surgery in US a long tym ago. Though he falsely claims in an interview to filmfare that he lost weight through a year long program of dieting n exercise with the help of personal trainer.
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AnIndi Jan 04, 2016 01:50pm
Yes @ SYED WASIM HAIDER, he should not insult his mother-land. Mother/Mother land is dear to child in any form. Mother is respectable and greater than heaven. If he uses any badmouthing about his mother-land Pakistan, he will loose all his respect and dignity.
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Luke Francis Jan 04, 2016 02:04pm
@prince ...You can try if you want to....and if you fit the bill to getting Indian nationality then so be it....
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Feroz Jan 04, 2016 02:13pm
Where will a guy whose passport has been canceled go ? India really did not have much choice but to give him a passport because he became stateless. Till this cancellation happened India did not grant his multiple requests for citizenship. More a humanitarian gesture by India to a stateless person, rather than love for Adnan Sami.
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Faisal Jan 04, 2016 02:21pm
If a Pakistani can take American nationality and cqn feel proud thn whats the problem with adnan to choose india as his home country. His life his choice. Just one thing we are sorry Adnan that we lost a treasure like you. And many talented Pakistanis like adnan are living in other countries and creating history. I hope one day Pakistan learn to keep the talent of Pakistan within Pakistan. Ameen
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AIZ Jan 04, 2016 02:22pm
Good for him...
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Leo Jan 04, 2016 02:31pm
@prince : hahaha no please don't do this to us :) this one is enough :) but waise keep visiting !
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Afsana Jan 04, 2016 02:36pm
We Pakistanis are happy for him...congratulations
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Angry Pitbull Jan 04, 2016 02:48pm
@Just here Indian citizens cannot hold multi national passports together not even allowed to have dual passport.
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asgher Jan 04, 2016 02:57pm
Good luck!
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Waseem Jan 04, 2016 02:59pm
aah..poor Indians, Now they will have to balloon him out to the same size, as we sent him over.Otherwise, he will not be considered as well fed. you know,National prides !!!!!!
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Nouman Jan 04, 2016 03:00pm
Being nice to Adnan on this news is good to see.. however as I see it, He is a Pakistani by birth, who denied to remain " Pakistani' anymore and showed his love for others, well... its his choice, but now he shouldnt be allowed to put his feat on our Pak land even once. After all, he hates to be a Pakistani.
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rocky Jan 04, 2016 03:10pm
one day all pakistani will apply for indian citizenship.
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DJ Jan 04, 2016 03:14pm
Why am in thinking that soon he will regret!
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saman khan Jan 04, 2016 03:37pm
He has complete right to associate himself with any country... Non of our bsuiness. Those who like him as singer, they gonna like him anyway... and they should .. :)
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Wisdom Jan 04, 2016 03:49pm
He was not faithful to his country of birth...how come he will be faithful to his adopted country for fame!
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Harish Motwani Jan 04, 2016 04:23pm
He has lost so much weight in his efforts to get the Indian citizenship - LOL
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jawad Jan 04, 2016 04:36pm
He is the same human as before.colour of passport cannot change your blood. Sami try to be a better human and think above casts or creeds. I hope he finds peace of mind with indian passport. he can change his passport but not place of his birth.
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Hassan Kamal Jan 05, 2016 04:27am
I am so happy to see so many positive comments from lots of readers in this conversation, This speaks volumes about the fact that we have generally moved forward.
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h sandhu Jan 05, 2016 05:35am
welcome ! ADnan....so wish you happy new year. God bless you.
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Gabber Singh Jan 05, 2016 06:39am
We are bothers and honestly Pakistani taking Indian citizenship is not a big deal or vice versa. We have tons of inter-marriages. Really get over it.
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Akbar Khan Jan 05, 2016 08:32am
Glad to see that good people have opportunity to concentrate in one country.
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truth Jan 05, 2016 10:20am
Any peace-loving Pakistani is welcomed in India. Talented and smart Pakistanis should be given Indian citizenship quickly.
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Krishna Jan 05, 2016 11:16am
I went through all the comments so far. How nice it is to see most of the Pakistanies and Indians welcomed his decision with out much reservations. I am in Canada like others in comment section living in US and England etc. I love Adnan for his good work in music like any other Indian or a person in Pakistan. His decision seems to be correct because he can now concentrate on his profession. In Music there is no age bar as long as you have passion. Bhimsen Joshi, Rahat Fathe Ali Khan Sr. to name a few, were great musicians, contemporary and liked are being liked even now. unfortunate Gulam Ali is obstructed from carrying on his work at this time. But, will get sorted out sooner. There is no boundary for art and culture. Let them carry on their good work. Both, Indians and Pakisthanies wish them all the best.
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vkumar Jan 05, 2016 01:28pm
Shayad yahi to pyar hai................
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Mustafa Jan 05, 2016 08:33pm
@Afsana; 'We Pakistanis are happy for him...congratulations' I am happy for Pakistan too.
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shafi Jan 05, 2016 10:25pm
it was pak that made him adnan sami
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Sobi Jan 06, 2016 07:40am
@Sarah1 LOL
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Sare Jahan Se Achchha Jan 06, 2016 07:55am
@SK Million dollar question! I'm on a quest to find the answer...
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Noor Jahan Jan 06, 2016 10:07pm
@H Rokerya : He lived in Canada too. He has Canadian citizenship too.
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monkeyinthecorner Jan 07, 2016 10:34am
I salute you if your decision/s make you happy. I respect your right of choice above anything else. Oh by the way u have not caused any insult to anyone or anything. Good luck... :)
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