Suniel Shetty recalls being held at gunpoint by U.S. cops after 9/11: ‘They said down or we shoot’

Bollywood

actor Suniel Shetty recently opened up about a terrifying experience he faced in the United States shortly after the 9/11 attacks. While shooting for the film Kaante in Los Angeles, Suniel Shetty was held at gunpoint and handcuffed by police officers due to his appearance.
In a conversation on Chanda Kochhar’s YouTube channel, Suniel Shetty recounted how the situation unfolded. “We had just reached LA when 9/11 happened. I was watching the news, and at first, I couldn’t even believe what I was seeing.” The heightened security in the U.S. following the attacks led to increased scrutiny, particularly towards individuals with beards and specific ethnic features.
Suniel Shetty revealed that he was staying at a hotel when the incident occurred. “I was walking into the hotel and took the elevator. I had forgotten my room keys, and there was an American gentleman in the lift. I asked him, ‘Do you have the keys? Because I’ve forgotten mine and my staff is out.’” However, the man seemed uncomfortable and quickly left, creating a commotion.

Moments later, the police arrived. “Suddenly, from the street, gunmen stormed in, and they shouted, ‘Down or we shoot!’” he recalled. Stunned and confused, Suniel Shetty had no option but to comply. “I had no idea what was happening. I was on my knees, and they handcuffed me.”
As the situation escalated, Suniel Shetty was unable to explain himself. “I didn’t know what was going to happen next. It was pure chaos.” Fortunately, members of the production team rushed to his aid. One of the hotel managers, a Pakistani gentleman, also intervened, explaining to the police that Suniel Shetty was an actor. “That’s when things calmed down. The manager told them, ‘He’s an actor. He’s here for work.’”
Suniel Shetty reflected on the incident, acknowledging the fear and paranoia that gripped the U.S. at the time. “It was an insane period. The way people reacted, the fear they had, it was overwhelming.” He also admitted that his gesture for a key might have been misunderstood. “Maybe he didn’t understand my English, so I used hand gestures. It worked against me.”
The

actor

emphasized how people with beards and South Asian features faced discrimination during that period. “I was lucky that someone recognized me and helped, but it made me realize how deep-rooted fear and bias can be.”