Bollywood megastar Shahrukh Khan, who has a wide following in US, was detained at Newark Airport because his surname Khan was on immigration authorities doubt list.

SRK on his way to attend a South Asian event in US on the eve of Independence day was not even permitted to make a phone call.

SRK tells, “The US has developed religious paranoia over the years. My guard was also denied a visa because he has the same last name as mine. They said I can’t use my phone.”

He adds, “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.”

He tells, “I told them I was a movie star and had recently visited the country for the shooting of my film. Nothing seemed to convince the immigration officer. There were other immigration officers who even vouched for me but this particular officer did not listen to anyone. I even told them I had an invitation from the South Asian community and was there to attend an event.’’

He adds further, “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.”

He tells, “It was absolutely was uncalled for I think, me having just finished working there for more than a month…just a couple of weeks ago. They said I have a common name which is causing the delay…checked my bags…I felt angry and humiliated.”

While Bollywood fraternity has come out to support SRK by condemning his detention by the US airport authorities, fellow Khan actor Salman brushed it aside branding it as a no big deal.

Salman told, “It is not such a big deal, when we go there we too have to go through the security check. There have been no attacks there since 9/11 because of their stringent security measures. I think it is a good thing (the security).”

Karan told, “I’m shocked and upset… feeling terrible for Shah Rukh.”

Actress and friend Priyanka also expressed her shock on social networking site; she wrote, “Shocking, disturbing and downright disgraceful. It’s such behavior that fuels hatred and racism. SRK’s a world figure for God’s sake. GET REAL!!”

Music director Vishal Dadlani also wrote on his page, “This is plain silly!! I mean, a quick internet search would tell them what they need to know about SRK!! Paranoia breeds stupidity, I guess!”

SRK freshly came back after finishing the shooting of his latest film My Name is Khan from US, where wryly he plays the role of a terror suspect.