LONDON, UK – Award-winning British actor Adeel Akhtar, known for his compelling roles in projects like the BBC’s The Night Manager and the acclaimed film Four Lions, has shared a deeply personal and unsettling account of being subjected to an intensive terrorism probe by US airport security following his arrival in New York in 2002. The revelations came during his appearance on BBC Radio 4’s celebrated programme, Desert Island Discs.
Akhtar, a London native, detailed the incident which occurred when he was travelling with his girlfriend to attend an audition. The experience, which he described as frightening, involved the confiscation of his passport and several hours of intense questioning at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The Harrowing JFK Interrogation
Speaking to host Lauren Laverne, Akhtar recounted the unnerving sequence of events that began before he even boarded his flight. “Just before I got on the plane, some security people took my passport off me and said that I’d get it back once I arrived at JFK,” Akhtar recalled.
The situation escalated dramatically upon landing. Instead of typical immigration procedures, the plane was diverted to a secluded area of the runway. “Once we landed at JFK, the plane sort of taxied off into a sort of secluded part on the runway, and then I see this convoy of cars coming through,” he explained.
Security personnel boarded the aircraft and informed Akhtar they would need to handcuff him, ostensibly “for their own protection,” before escorting him through the airport for questioning. The interrogation itself lasted approximately four to five hours, punctuated by periods of anxious waiting.
Questions of Affiliation and Faith
The core of the questioning focused on his background and beliefs during a heightened period of global security awareness following the events of 9/11. “They were asking if I had any sort of affiliations to terrorist organisations, and whether I was a practicing Muslim or not,” Akhtar stated. He noted that this occurred “during the time of sort of Guantanamo and things like that,” making him acutely aware of the implications behind their inquiries.
Despite the stress, Akhtar maintained composure: “I was aware of what they were trying to get at, and yeah, just sort of held my nerve and just answered the questions as honestly as I could, and then got out of there.”
The Emotional Toll on Family
While Akhtar managed to proceed with his audition despite the shock, the incident had a profound and lasting impact on his father. The actor shared that his father, who he described as having a “blind faith in the idea of doing good and the rule of law,” was deeply affected by his inability to shield his son.
“I saw him in an office... and I just saw this really proud man not believe in what he believed in for years and years and years,” Akhtar reflected sadly. He articulated his father’s struggle: “His expression of love was to protect me and do the right thing, and he was unable to sort of do either, and so if you can’t love your kid in the way that you should be able to, then it makes you kind of emotionally withdrawn a little bit, and I just saw him slightly beaten at that point.”
Akhtar’s father reportedly attempted to sue the FBI following the ordeal, though the outcome was unsuccessful.
A Career Defined by Acclaim
The turbulence of that early professional trip contrasts sharply with the significant recognition Akhtar has achieved since. His powerful performances have garnered critical acclaim, including BAFTA awards for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the crime drama Sherwood and for the BBC television film Murdered By My Father. His role as Faisal in Chris Morris’s seminal dark comedy Four Lions remains a touchstone in his career.
In the full Desert Island Discs episode, which aired on Sunday, January 18th, Akhtar also discussed the eight tracks, book, and luxury item he would choose to take to a deserted island, offering listeners a broader glimpse into the man behind the acclaimed performances.
This candid interview sheds light on the personal challenges faced by British actors of colour navigating international travel and security protocols, even as their professional careers soar.
The full episode of Desert Island Discs featuring Adeel Akhtar is available on BBC Sounds.
