Global Icon Shahrukh Khan arrested in US over Muslim name

The India's Global Superstar Shahrukh Khan says he was arrested at the US Newark Airport in New Jersey for having a Muslim name.

The 'King of Bollywood' told the CNN-IBN television station that he was questioned for two hours and finally freed after the Indian Embassy in the US intervened.

"I was waiting for my bags... I thought it was nice of them to take me to another room... but that was apparently a second check," the 43-year-old Khan said.

"I did not want to say anything just in case they took everything wrong because I am little worried about Americans because they do have this issue when your name is Muslim," Khan said.

The actor, who was going to take part in celebrations marking India's Independence Day in Chicago, referred to the incident as a "little embarrassing" for an entertainer of his stature.

Khan began his acting career in the late 1980s and made his film debut in the 1992 Deewana. He has appeared in numerous commercially successful films and has earned critical acclaim for many of his performances winning thirteen Filmfare Awards, seven of which were in the Best Actor category.

Acclaimed Bollywood producer Mahesh Bhatt referred to the incident as a new example of “Islamophobia" in the US, AFP reported.

"I am not surprised because the attitude towards Muslims in the United States post the 9/11 (attacks) and after (US President George W.) Bush -- the Islamophobia wave -- has been particularly harsh," Bhatt told reporters.

The Indian government also reacted sharply, saying that many such incidents have taken place in the US. The US Ambassador to New Delhi, Timothy Roemer replied by describing Khan as a "global icon” and a welcome guest in his country.

This is not the first time that Indian citizens have been frisked in the US. Former Indian president Abdul Kalam, a Muslim, was searched despite protocol rules by US carrier Continental Airlines before boarding a US-bound flight in New Delhi.