King questioned over 'Khan'

It's a strange twist of real life imitating reel life. Shah Rukh Khan who has recently finished shooting in the US for his film My Name is Khan was stopped, detained and questioned for almost two hours at Newark Airport in America.

The reason, his name came up on the scrutiny list.

"I was told my name popped up on a list, I was taken to another room. I thought they were being nice to me but I was later told they were waiting for my bags," said Shah Rukh Khan.

As the news of his unwarranted questioning came in, there was outrage with many going on to suggest a tit for tat.

But for someone like Bollywood actor Salman Khan, it was no big deal.

The US and India both were quick to react, the Ministry of External affairs said they have taken up the matter with the US consulate and the new US Ambassador Timothy Roemer tried to pacify saying:

"We are trying to ascertain the facts of the case to understand what took place. Shah Rukh Khan, the actor and global icon, is a very welcome guest in the United States. Many Americans love his films."

But this is not the first time, racial profiling has troubled Indians travelling to the US.

In 2002, Kamal Hassan was detained at the Toronto airport in Canada for his "Islamic" last name. That same year Aamir Khan was strip-searched and interrogated at the Chicago airport.

Film director Kabir Khan was also detained at least three times last year when he was shooting in United States for his film New York.

Even southern super star Mammooty was detained earlier this year because his name on the passport was Muhammad Kutty Ismail.

Even President Kalam was frisked by Continental Airlines citing security.

It's ironical that Muslim names are the criterion for detaining and questioning people entering the US, especially now since their own President is called Barrack Hussain Obama.