Actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the los Angeles Airport on Friday over security concern while Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s visa application was rejected by the United Kingdom High Commission. Shah Rukh Khan was visiting the USA with his daughter on a holiday and Amjad Ali Khan was to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in london next month.
US Ambassador to India Richard Verma apologised to actor Shah Rukh after he tweeted about his detention at the los Angeles Airport. This is the third time in the last seven years when Khan was stopped by US immigration officials at the country’s airports. Verma said the US was working to ensure that it does not happen again.
“I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks,” Khan tweeted on Friday from the US. However, shortly after Khan tweeted, the US administration responded apologising for the inconvenience. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the US Department Nisha Desai Biswal replied, “Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk — even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening.”
“Sorry for the trouble at lAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US,” Verma tweeted. Khan thanked the envoy for his concern.
“No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. It’s just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern,” Khan responded.
In April 2012, Khan was detained at the White Plains Airport near New York for over two hours by immigration officials. In 2009, he was detained at the Newark Airport in New Jersey for nearly two hours.
Meanwhile, tagging Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in his tweet, Amjad Ali Khan wrote, “My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_london @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj.”
“Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. Scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep @HCI_london @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @UKinIndia,” he added. The UK High Commission Spokesperson said that the mission does not comment on individual cases. Amjad’s son Amaan Ali too urged the Indian Government to intervene in the matter.
