Adnan Sami photographed in Panvel.
Pakistani singer Adnan Sami has been granted Indian citizenship, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Thursday.
The citizenship shall be applicable from January 1, 2016, news agency ANI said.
The 43-year-old singer, whose earlier request was rejected some two years ago, had sent his application to the Foreigners' Division of the Home Ministry earlier this year.
Lahore-born Adnan 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 but his Pakistani passport issued on May 27, 2010 expired on May 26, 2015 and was not renewed by the Pakistan government. (Also Read:
Wouldn't Have Sought Indian Citizenship If There Was Intolerance, Says Adnan Sami)
Mr Sami then approached the Indian government with the request to legalise his stay in India on humanitarian grounds.
After consideration, the Home Ministry earlier this year had allowed him to stay in India for an indefinite period.
Mr Sami shot to fame in India after two of his songs
Kabhi To Nazar Milao and
Lift Karaa De topped charts in the early 2000s.