MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan was detained by the US immigration officials at Newark Airport in New Jersey on Saturday for over two hours because his name came up on a computer alert list. The incident drew strong and angry protests from leaders of various political parties and Bollywood personalities. The Indian government also lodged a protest with the US Embassy in New Delhi and asked for details.
US Ambassador Timothy Reomer expressed regret over the incident and said that Shahrukh Khan is a well-known personality of India and always welcome in the United States.
Khan, who was in the US to attend an Indian Independence Day function, was released by the immigration authorities only after intervention from Indian diplomats who vouched for him and the timely action taken by Congress member of Parliament Rajiv Shukla who spoke with US authorities and with the Indian ambassador.
The actor was detained and interrogated by the US immigration officials after his name flashed repeatedly on the department's computers and matched with several suspects with the surname "Khan."
A shaken and angry Khan said in a statement after his release: "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."
Khan's statement added: "The US 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."
Bollywood reacted angrily. Renowned producer-director Karan Johar, a close friend of Khan, said he was shocked and upset and was feeling terrible as Khan was detained because of his being a Muslim. Actress Priyanka Chopra said the incident was shocking, disturbing and downright disgraceful. "It's such behavior that fuels hatred and racism."
Music director Dadlani commented: "This is silly. Paranoia breeds stupidity." Producer-director Mahesh Bhatt said: "I'm concerned with the paranoia and Islamophobia that has crept in post 9/11. The world is seeing Muslims differently and we need to dismantle this mindset."
Shukla said the incident was unfortunate, objectionable and deplorable. US authorities should device a way to avoid harassment to well-known people like Shahrukh Khan and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Ambika Soni, federal minister for information and broadcasting, also reacted angrily and said the attitude of the US toward Khan was not justified. She objected to the American system of frisking and said that Americans should be treated the same way in India.
