Hasan Minhaj mocks Indians for banning him from Modi's US rally but honouring him inside

"It was such an Indian thing to do," the comedian joked


Entertainment Desk September 25, 2019
LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS -- Episode 887 -- Pictured: (l-r) Comedian Hasan Minhaj during an interview with host Seth Meyers on September 23, 2019 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC)

In a recent interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, comedian Hasan Minhaj talked about being black-listed from attending PM Narendra Modi's political rally in Texas on Sunday, which was inaugurated by Donald Trump.

The Indian-American journalist and TV personality explained how he had already made plans to attend the rally and the moment he found out that Trump was going to deliver an opening speech, he could not contain his excitement.


However, in an unfortunate turn of events, Minhaj was barred from entering the stadium where the rally was taking place. Initially, the excuse given was a lack of space for more press inside. Then, the officials said Minhaj did not have the right credentials to enter, regardless of him providing everything.

LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS -- Episode 887 -- Pictured: (l-r) Comedian Hasan Minhaj during an interview with host Seth Meyers on September 23, 2019 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC) LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS -- Episode 887 -- Pictured: (l-r) Comedian Hasan Minhaj during an interview with host Seth Meyers on September 23, 2019 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC)

Minhaj went on reveal that later on, he was told that his comments on Modi's government on The Patriot Act were the reason why he was banned from entering. "I told them that you guys are treating me like Indian Jorge Ramos, this is Trump 101 and it's Texas," he told Meyers sarcastically.

But that wasn't all. Upon being barred, Minhaj began watching the rally on his phone in the stadium's parking lot and noticed something really ironic.

Hassan Minhaj in the parking lot

"So, I'm watching this whole thing on live stream and during the programme, they're honouring the prominent Indian-Americans who have done so much for our country, be it arts, music or even comedy. And while they're saying this, they show a photo of me on the big screen and people start clapping!" said the TV personality with mock surprise.

Hasan Minhaj 2

"They were honouring me for my comedy but also kicked me out for the same reason. It was the most Indian thing to do," joked Minhaj. He continued to mock the incident, subtly calling it hypocritical "They were like, 'We're proud of you but we'll never say it to your face'!"

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