New Delhi: There is no intolerance in India, says Pakistan-born singer Adnan Sami after becoming an Indian citizen on Friday.
A smiling Sami also sang his famous song — Teri oonchi shaan hai maula...Mujhko bhi to lift kara de — after he received a citizenship certificate from minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju at North Block here in the presence of his wife Roya.
Asked about concerns expressed by actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan about alleged growing intolerance in India, the 46-year-old singer said everyone was entitled to his or her own opinion and their remarks were perhaps based on their own experience. “Had there been intolerance, I would not have taken Indian citizenship. I have never experienced intolerance. There is no intolerance in India,” he said.
The singer said he was very happy after becoming Indian citizen and grateful to the government. “I am grateful to the Government of India for giving me this beautiful gift,” he said.
Asked how he felt after becoming an Indian citizen, Sami said there was no difference as the taste of ‘biryanis’ was same in both the countries. “And I have had enough of ‘biryanis’ in both Pakistan and India,” he said.
The singer said there was mixed reaction in Pakistan on his taking Indian citizenship but his family understands his love for India and its people. Asked about Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lahore, Sami said he was very happy that Modi had visited Pakistan and was making efforts to improve relations with the country.
