Zaheer Darbar – Editor Entertainment
Does Shah Rukh Khan Hold a Diplomatic Red Passport Bollywood fans and travel. enthusiasts alike were set abuzz this week by reports claiming megastar Shah Rukh Khan possesses one of India’s rare red diplomatic passports. While the actor’s team has yet to confirm the speculation, the controversy has shed light on India’s exclusive travel document policies – just as the government implements sweeping changes to passport regulations for ordinary citizens.
The Diplomatic Passport Debate
According to a report by digital news outlet India.com, the Dunki star may be among the select few Indians granted the maroon-colored diplomatic passport typically reserved for:
- Sitting Members of Parliament
- High-ranking government officials
- Designated cultural ambassadors
“Not even all ministers qualify automatically,” explained a senior Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official speaking on condition of anonymity. “The privilege requires demonstrated state purpose for international travel.”
Industry insiders note SRK’s potential eligibility stems from his:
- UN appointments as goodwill ambassador
- Frequent overseas promotions of Indian cinema
- Reported UAE golden visa status obtained in 2021
New Rules for Regular Passports
As the Khan passport speculation continues, the MEA has rolled out significant changes affecting all Indian travelers:
- Parental Details Removed: Names of parents no longer appear on the passport’s last page
- Gender Marker Updates: Simplified process for gender transitions
- Emergency Contacts: Now optional rather than mandatory
“These are privacy-first reforms,” said passport officer Vidya Menon in Delhi. “In the digital age, we’re minimizing sensitive data exposure.”
