British actor Adeel Akhtar has spoken of his shock and fear after being detained and questioned by United States police about potential links to terrorist organisations upon arriving in New York more than two decades ago.
The Airport Detention
The incident occurred in 2002, a period of heightened security following the 9/11 attacks and during the early years of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Akhtar, then a young actor travelling to New York for an audition, landed at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). His passport had been taken from him before boarding the flight in the UK, with assurances it would be returned on arrival.
Instead, after landing, his plane was directed to a secluded part of the runway. A convoy of vehicles approached the aircraft, and officials boarded. "These fellas come onto the plane, and they said that they were going to handcuff me, but for their own protection," Akhtar recounted to Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. He was then escorted into the airport for questioning.
Hours of Questioning
The actor, now 45 and known for roles in Four Lions, The Night Manager, and Bafta-winning performances in Murdered By My Father and Sherwood, described the subsequent interrogation as "the scary bit". The process lasted for four or five hours, involving extensive periods of waiting.
"They were asking if I had any sort of affiliations to terrorist organisations, and whether I was a practicing Muslim or not," Akhtar explained. He stated he was acutely aware of the context of the questions, given the era's focus on counter-terrorism. The Four Lions legend said he "held his nerve" and answered all queries as honestly as possible before eventually being released to continue with his audition.
Family Aftermath and Lasting Impact
The experience had profound ripple effects on his family. Akhtar revealed that his father later attempted to sue the FBI over the treatment, an effort that was ultimately unsuccessful. The actor described witnessing his father's disillusionment as a particularly painful outcome.
"I just saw this really proud man not believe in what he believed in for years and years and years," Akhtar shared. He interpreted his father's legal action as an expression of love and protection, a duty he felt unable to fulfil. "I just saw him slightly beaten at that point," the actor added, noting the emotional toll it took.
Despite the shocking incident at JFK, Akhtar persevered with his career, going on to establish himself as one of Britain's most respected actors. His full interview, including his choices of music, book, and luxury item for a desert island, was broadcast on Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 and remains available on BBC Sounds.
