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Pakistani pop singer Adnan Sami is learnt to have sought Indian citizenship at a meeting with Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani in Dubai during the latter's recent three-nation tour.
According to home ministry sources, Sami, who is based in London, approached Advani and requested him for granting him Indian citizenship.
Sami was reportedly taken to Advani by officials of Magnasound, which has sole rights for recording the singer's pop numbers.
The sources said though he made a fervent appeal, Advani's response to his request was non-committal.
The sources feel that while the real reasons for the request were not clear, it could be driven by commercial considerations.
However, the sources also felt that the atmosphere in Pakistan was not conducive for the pursuit of artistic activities because of growing influence of Islamic fundamentalist outfits and right-wing elements.
Under Indian law, a foreign national seeking Indian nationality has to renounce his original citizenship.
In Sami's case, he would have to quit Pakistani citizenship, the sources added.
PTI
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