NEW DELHI - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said Tuesday he will cut back on visits to the United States, especially with his family, after he was questioned by immigration officials at a New York-area airport.
Khan was taken aside at Newark's Liberty International Airport on Friday for what officials said was routine questioning. They denied he was formally detained, saying the incident lasted barely more than an hour and was prolonged only because his bag had been lost by the airline.
But the questioning set off outrage in India, where politicians, sports celebrities and film stars regularly receive VIP treatment at airports. Angry fans burned a U.S. flag and protested what they saw as ill-treatment of a beloved star, and politicians called for an investigation.
The Muslim actor was promoting his latest film, "My Name is Khan," about racial profiling after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Khan told reporters Tuesday after returning to Mumbai that the incident had been "blown out of proportion." But he said the questioning — which included requests for the names of people who could vouch for him — embarrassed him.
Sharukh Says he will cut back on US visits
NEW DELHI - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said Tuesday he will cut back on visits to the United States, especially with his family, after he was questioned by immigration officials at a New York-area airport.
Khan was taken aside at Newark's Liberty International Airport on Friday for what officials said was routine questioning. They denied he was formally detained, saying the incident lasted barely more than an hour and was prolonged only because his bag had been lost by the airline.
But the questioning set off outrage in India, where politicians, sports celebrities and film stars regularly receive VIP treatment at airports. Angry fans burned a U.S. flag and protested what they saw as ill-treatment of a beloved star, and politicians called for an investigation.
The Muslim actor was promoting his latest film, "My Name is Khan," about racial profiling after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Khan told reporters Tuesday after returning to Mumbai that the incident had been "blown out of proportion." But he said the questioning — which included requests for the names of people who could vouch for him — embarrassed him.
