Adnan Sami on how it feels to be an Indian citizen

The singer who was granted citizenship on January 1 described his experience as "life-changing" and "historic"

After being granted citizenship on January 1, Adnan Sami seems to be over the moon to start his new life as an official Indian citizen.

In a recent interview with Mumbai Mirror, the singer described his experience as "life-changing" and "historic", adding that "it was the biggest gift on the first day of the new year".



"One half-hour ceremony can change your life. I've got the biggest gift on the first day of the new year!" he said.

Explaining the process, Adnan said, "I was granted citizenship under Section 9 Para 1 of the Indian Citizenship Act of Naturalisation. The government of India has the discretionary powers to grant citizenship to someone extremely talented in the field of art, culture or science, but this is the first time since Independence that this particular section has been used. It's a huge honour!"

"I was like an excited child. I'd applied back in 2003, it's been a long wait, but I've been extremely patient, wanting to follow every procedure to the T," he added.



Adnan also said that he has always felt like he belonged to India, living there for 16 years. He could've gotten any country's citizenship, but he chose India because he felt at home there. "I never spoke about this openly before but the signs were all there, prodding me to come to this country, grow to love it and now, after 46 years, I feel a part of the soil," said Adnan.



"Dil Kab Se Yahan Baith Gaya Tha, this is where I've always been really happy. The only thing keeping me physically away was a piece of paper, which I have today. With that in my hand, I told my wife Roya, Fikar Mat Karo, Tum Mere Mulk Mein Ho. I'll take care of you,'" he added.