Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said that he was 'angry and humiliated' for being detained at the Newark International Airport in New Jersey, United States, and asserted that the incident was 'absolutely uncalled for'.
"They said I have a common name which is causing the delay, checked my bags...I felt angry and humiliated," Khan said in a statement.
Khan further said the US authorities checked all his baggage, including the hand baggage, and did not allow him to make a phone call for nearly an hour.
"Only these guys just would not let me through. Finally, they allowed me to make a call, which I did and the Indian Consulate helped me through," Khan said.
Khan said that he told the authorities that he was an actor and also informed them about his reason for visiting the country. But, nothing seemed to convince the immigration officer, who did not listen to him at all.
"I was really hassled at the American airport because of my name being Khan. The couple of hours of interrogation wanting to know if I know anyone in America, while all around people were vouching for me from India and Pakistan," Khan added.
SRK spoke out strongly against his treatment at the New Jersey airport, saying "it was not a good feeling" when the security officials took him to a separate room for questioning.
"I appreciated my independence a million times more today, I wish I was in India on Independence Day," Khan told a news channel.
The Indian Consulate in New York is in touch with Khan, and the Indian government has taken up the issue with the United States administration.
Photographs: Gunjesh Desai
Image: Shah Rukh Khan relaxes in his hotel room at the Trump Taj Hotel at Atlantic City and (inset) spends time with an young fan.
