You belong to us Shahrukh

Hi Shahrukh

Controversies are a part of every public figure’s life and film stars are no exception. A simple comment, a gesture unknowingly, bad hair days…nothing escapes the ever watchful eyes of our media.

But one thing did. The discrimination you face worldwide as a follower of a different religion. The way people disregard you in a city which was all set to honor you not once, but twice. The way Mumbai bans you from entering a stadium for no fault of your own. The way people perceive you as a non Indian when you are every bit as Indian as any of us are…may be more.

Way back in 2009, at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey when you were traveling to celebrate Chicago’s South Asian Community and promote your film ‘My Name is Khan’ you were frisked, questioned and detained for several hours. Why? - Just because your last name is Khan. How come they did not know you? Google your name and we get a 100 movie names, special appearances, pictures, fan club websites and what not!!  You must have had an invitation card on you, (excuse my language) you should have thrown that on their faces.

Then came April 2012, this time you had a lecture to deliver in Yale University, Connecticut. The New Jersey Airport authorities detained you for a couple of hours and questioned you just because of your surname. You were accompanied by a prominent personality namely Nita Ambani then why was the need to question you? I find it downright insulting that such a well known person has to bear this humiliation. It is not only humiliating to you but is the shame of every Indian.

Everyone should take a lesson from your humbleness as you brushed it off with "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom,"

Could racism be thrust in your face in a more appropriate way? I think not!

But there was more to come. The whole country chose to remain silent when you were banned from entering Wankhede Stadium. All because you were allegedly drunk and misbehaved with the security there. I don’t understand why they had to impose such measures. Your take on this is “They were misbehaving with the kids and you drink socially.” God!!  I can’t believe it’s the same Mumbai where fans line up for hours in front of ‘Mannat’ to catch a glimpse. Mumbai where there is an entire theatre dedicated to your evergreen film ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’.

The icing on the cake still remains. A certain minister of a sorry country plagued by terrorism and civil wars has advised us to tighten your security. I say you should first take care of your own country.

It is true that most of the time, public figures like you are constantly criticized for things as insignificant as socially drinking. However, be rest assured that you are our own. You belong to us.