Global icon Shahrukh Khan got a taste of the discrimination he is to portray in his upcoming film, "My Name Is Khan" at the Newark airport in New Jersey today. The actor was held at the airport for 2 hours as he was questioned because of his Muslim name. Immigration officers asked him why he was visiting the United States after his name appeared on the computer screen at the counter. Khan was freed after Indian diplomats intervened.
The actor explained what happened to the CNN-IBN television channel, "I was waiting for my bags. I thought it was nice of them to take me to another room, but that was apparently a second check. I had my papers in order. "Shahrukh went on to say, "Khan is a Muslim name, and I think the name is common on their checklist."
Shahrukh Khan was on his way to Chicago today to take part in India's Independence Day festivities when this incident occurred. Word spread like fire about the situation and the Indian government and entertainment industry reacted strongly.
Members of the entertainment industry were outraged that something like this could happen to the superstar who was included in Newsweek Magazine's 50 Most Powerful People list last year.
The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi has said that India is in touch with the US embassy on this situation and the consul general of India in New York is in touch with Khan.
Sadly Shahrukh Khan has mentioned that he has suffered this treatment in America before. Khan has been spending quite a bit of time in the States shooting for the film, "My Name is Khan." A story about a Muslim (Shahrukh Khan) who suffers from a form of autism known as , Asperger syndrome, which impacts social interaction abilities. His character is arrested as a suspected terrorist in post-9/11 Los Angeles after the authorities mistake his disability for suspicious behavior.
This incident have left fans and members of the industry shocked and upset. Hopefully enough awareness to the situation will be made for a positive change.
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