Shahrukh Khan detained at Airpot in US, reactions

Quite ironically, on a day that India celebrates its Independence, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan arrived at the Newark International Airport in New Jersey, only to be detained by the airport officials as his name sounded way too ‘common name’.

Shahrukh on his way to attend a event titled “Dinner with Shahrukh Khan” said he was ‘angry and humiliated’ over the incident “I’m sorry if I made you wait (the fans who had gathered) but I had a few issues at the airport. I was stopped and questioned for a couple of hours. It’s a big drag because they kept telling me my name is very common, and I kept telling them, my name is Shah Rukh. I’ve never even met anyone whose name is Shah Rukh. Later, I realised they were pissed off because I’m Khan”

In his statement Shahrukh said “I was asked several questions and the purpose of my visit to the US by the officials. My baggage was thoroughly checked. I said I was a movie star and had recently visited the US for shooting my film ‘My Name is Khan.’ But this particular officer was not willing to listen to me or even to some other immigration officers who vouched for me. I told him that I had an invitation from the South Asian community and was there to attend an event. Nothing convinced him. He was adamant on his stand and refused my request to call my friend. I was targeted because I was a Muslim and had a Muslim surname Khan. I am upset and very angry. The United States has developed religious paranoia over the years. My guard was also denied a visa because he has the same last name as mine. It’s humiliating. This happened even as I told the immigration officers that I was an Indian celebrity. Even my guards were grilled thoroughly as if they were suspects.

Reactions from Shahrukh’s friends back home in India

Karan Johar –  shocked and upset…feeling terrible for shah rukh..

Priyanka Chopra – Shocking,disturbing n downright disgraceful.Its such behavior that fuels hatred n racism.SRK’s a world figure for Gods sake.GET REAL!!

Vishal Dadlani (Music Director)- This is plain silly!! I mean, a quick internet search would tell them what they need to know about SRK!! Paranoia breeds stupidity, I guess!

Shahrukh’s not so good friend Salman said  - It is not such a big deal, when we go there we too have to go through the security check. There has been no attacks there since 9/11 because of their stringent security measures. I think it is a good thing (security)”

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Well we think there is no real need to exaggerate this too much, as more important people than Shahrukh Khan have been embarrased in the past and the media seems to have woken up from slumber now. It’s been happening not just to muslims but to many non-muslim Indians as well.. including actor Neil Nitin Mukesh. Also, in the recent past president Abdul Kalam was checked and searched by US officials.. Yes, India’s most loved, most popular president.. Dont think many would even be aware of it!

What do you think? Comments below