Why is an Indian in first class? Zakir Khan recalls racist treatment on flight
A resurfaced podcast clip of comedian Zakir Khan has reignited conversations about racism faced by Indians abroad. In the viral video, he recalls being questioned while travelling first class and shares how he responded to the incident with humour.
A resurfaced clip from comedian Zakir Khan's appearance on YouTuber Max Amini's podcast Wild Truth has reignited conversations around racism and stereotypes faced by Indians abroad. In the viral excerpt, Zakir recounts an alleged incident on a flight where he felt he was questioned because an Indian passenger travelling in first class seemed unexpected to those around him.
Zakir Khan on facing racism mid-flight
In the clip, originally recorded in January 2025, Zakir spoke about the assumptions people often make about who "looks" like a first-class passenger. Reflecting on his own experience, he recalled an encounter with a cabin crew member and a fellow passenger who appeared unwilling to believe he was seated in first class.
Sharing the incident, Zakir said he was attempting to stow his luggage when he was stopped by an air hostess.
"This air hostess held my hand and turned it to see whether I was flying first class or not. But at the same time, there was also this old white lady who was trying to stop me from doing that (keeping my luggage). It was all happening at the same time," he said.
According to Zakir, the elderly passenger repeatedly told him he could not place his luggage there. He responded by saying that it was, in fact, his seat. He then claimed the air hostess intervened and told him, "This is not your seat."
The comedian said he confronted the situation head-on.
"You have a problem with an Indian travelling first class," he recalled telling the crew member.
Zakir further said that people often deny such biases when called out, but maintained that he could sense what was happening from their reactions.
Zakir on how he dealt with the air hostess
The conversation later shifted to humour, with Zakir narrating how he dealt with the awkwardness for the remainder of the flight. He joked that every time the air hostess looked at him, he would respond with a disappointed shake of his head. He even mimicked the gesture during the podcast, leaving Amini in splits.
The resurfaced clip comes amid another recent update from Zakir. During a performance in Hyderabad as part of his Papa Yaar Tour, the comedian revealed that he plans to significantly reduce his live performances and may step away from touring for three to five years, potentially until 2030.
He said the decision was the result of careful consideration and reflected a desire to focus on personal aspects of his life that had taken a back seat.
A resurfaced clip from comedian Zakir Khan's appearance on YouTuber Max Amini's podcast Wild Truth has reignited conversations around racism and stereotypes faced by Indians abroad. In the viral excerpt, Zakir recounts an alleged incident on a flight where he felt he was questioned because an Indian passenger travelling in first class seemed unexpected to those around him.
Zakir Khan on facing racism mid-flight
In the clip, originally recorded in January 2025, Zakir spoke about the assumptions people often make about who "looks" like a first-class passenger. Reflecting on his own experience, he recalled an encounter with a cabin crew member and a fellow passenger who appeared unwilling to believe he was seated in first class.
Sharing the incident, Zakir said he was attempting to stow his luggage when he was stopped by an air hostess.
"This air hostess held my hand and turned it to see whether I was flying first class or not. But at the same time, there was also this old white lady who was trying to stop me from doing that (keeping my luggage). It was all happening at the same time," he said.
According to Zakir, the elderly passenger repeatedly told him he could not place his luggage there. He responded by saying that it was, in fact, his seat. He then claimed the air hostess intervened and told him, "This is not your seat."
The comedian said he confronted the situation head-on.
"You have a problem with an Indian travelling first class," he recalled telling the crew member.
Zakir further said that people often deny such biases when called out, but maintained that he could sense what was happening from their reactions.
Zakir on how he dealt with the air hostess
The conversation later shifted to humour, with Zakir narrating how he dealt with the awkwardness for the remainder of the flight. He joked that every time the air hostess looked at him, he would respond with a disappointed shake of his head. He even mimicked the gesture during the podcast, leaving Amini in splits.
The resurfaced clip comes amid another recent update from Zakir. During a performance in Hyderabad as part of his Papa Yaar Tour, the comedian revealed that he plans to significantly reduce his live performances and may step away from touring for three to five years, potentially until 2030.
He said the decision was the result of careful consideration and reflected a desire to focus on personal aspects of his life that had taken a back seat.
