The Great Frisking Incident

The big news today was that an Indian Actor was “hassled” and “interrogated” today at a US airport. Ah!!! What a story for the media!!! Suddenly Swine Flu did not matter. Swine Flu deaths were not reported.

It is sad to see that Indian media is about sensationalizing any small nugget about a movie star and things like India’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations, Swine Flu and everything else took a back seat. Because, the driver in the front seat was an Indian movie star.

The media is stooping too low and sensationalizing anything and everything involving movie stars. The guy may be a big movie star. That does not mean he has two bullhorns. Does he think he is the lord of the Universe? It is reported that he is “Sad” and “Angry” and “humiliated” and what not. What else does he expect in a US airport? Its very much part of their procedure and I am sure that they would have followed laid down procedures for this. Grow up man!!! Stop being a sissy!!!

This is typical Indian VIP mentality. They are used to all kinds of VIP treatment in Indian airports and which is what is making them expect the same stuff everywhere they go. Those spoilt brats!!! They cannot handle life when reality stares at their face. Oh… What a hurt for the great actor!! With the kind of inflated egos such people have, it is no wonder that a small wayward incident has been made into a huge issue.

The actor made a statement to the media that he “appreciated my independence a million times more today”. So it takes some “frisking” and “questioning” in a phoren land for him to realize that he is “Independent” in his home country. Oh… Great news for Indians celebrating their 63rd Independence Day.

One great Indian minister is going to take up this issue with the US. I wonder what kind of response the minister is hoping to get on this. It was even reported that the minister had suggested “Tit for Tat”.

The great Bollywood industry cannot digest the fact that one of their leading lights has been questioned in a US Airport. It is reported that the Bollywood fraternity is “extremely displeased” with what had happened. There were Twitter posts, interviews and what not from anyone and everyone who think of them so highly and feel like speaking out in support of their colleague in distress.

Here is my take on this incident:

1) Many people visiting US face the same problems. It is a fact of reality for any US traveler and part and parcel of US travel. If you feel you cannot digest such incidents, please do not travel to the US. Don’t expect to visit their country and think that you will be treated like you will be treated in Indian Airports. Also, such incidents are being faced by hundreds of people daily from many nations, including many Indians. If you are squeamish about such incidents, don’t visit the US. I am sure that the great Indian actor will forget what had happened to him and will again gladly visit the US in future, if its going to help him with his business.

2) It is disgusting to note that the media is quick to grab on to such stories without getting into details of what had happened. They are going by one version of the story and made no efforts (based on whatever reports I have seen so far) to find out the other side of the story. I don’t see how this story had suddenly become more important than Swine Flu deaths. No Fresh Swine Flu deaths were reported today. Not sure if it was because that there were no deaths (which I hope is true) or was because the media bosses thought such news have become boring and they are better off on reporting how the great Indian actor was “Frisked” and “Questioned” and what not at an US Airport. This just shows that the media (or at least most of them) have no real principles in selecting which news to give priority to. I don’t see how an Actor getting “Frisked” and “Questioned” in an US Airport is bigger news than India’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations. Just shows how we have squandered and misused our “Independence”. If someone calls Indian media as a “Fourth estate” of our country, it is just shameful and farce.

3) It is shocking to see an Indian minister making rude statements to the media like “Tit for Tat” etc. before ascertaining the facts. Speaks highly of the capability of our ministers. This is not the first time it has happened to an Indian. Why this minister had not raised a voice against such treatment earlier? In fact this sort of thing is a daily affair that Indian and other world travelers are experiencing. Is it because the said minister is in awe of the great actor that the minister is now angry and wants “Tit for Tat”?

4) It is shameful on the bollywood fraternity part to jump into the bandwagon and give out all sorts of statements just for their own publicity. Oh… Such shameless people.

5) You may recollect another recent incident, which in fact had sadly happened in an Indian Airport to our former President Dr.Kalam. You just need to see how Dr.Kalam reacted to the incident and how the great Indian actor reacted to the incident. Just shows how great Dr.Kalam is and how squeamishly childish the so-called “King” is.

(c) Vijayaganesh Sampathkumar -2009. All Rights Reserved.