Obey the laws !

I read this news about Shah Rukh Khan being detained and interrogated in Newark Intl Airport. Why is there such a big fuss about it ? Yes, he is a huge star, in India. Yes, he probably wont get involved in any terrorist activities. Yes, he was among Time magazine's 50 most influential people. So what ? Laws are meant to be obeyed. If his name pops up for random check, what are the authorities supposed to do. If you want to question that "random"ness, thats a different matter altogether.

Sanjay Dutt was not given a free pass in 1993 because he was a "star". A much bigger "star" like Sachin Tendulkar did not get a free pass when there was a case of misusing the flag, inspite of the great name and joy he brought to the country. They are all ordinary citizens of the country and the world who have to obey the laws and rules, just like anyone else.

In fact, a few years ago there was also talk about Bollywood actors and producers, including Shah Rukh, having connections with the underworld. If he gets a free pass, it is not unlikely that he or his family would be threatened and he would be forced to do something against his will. So stop this nonsense.

And on the other hand, to the critics of this episode who are saying that Shah Rukh is just doing this to create hype for his movie "My name is Khan" - Look at yourself in the mirror. You are more intelligent than that. You mean to say he got some people in the US immigration involved in this and orchestrated it ? If it really happened and he is using it for movie publicity, well, he is entitled to as long as it is harmless.

A couple of months ago, Dr. APJ Kalam, the most respected president of India, was frisked away and thoroughly checked. Being the humble and honorable man he is, he did not have any problem with that. Some people complained about the treatment meted out to him (but not as many that are complaining regarding Shah Rukh, what a shame?). Whose mistake is it ? The Indian government's. Someone from the Indian embassy in US should be at the airport to take care of the formalities.

We are all better off following rules. Remember, the law enforcement folks have to SUCCEED EVERYTIME to win, whereas the terrorists have to succeed JUST ONCE.