Sudha Murty: Immigration Officer Questions 10 Downing Street Address

Renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murty recently shared a funny incident that happened to her during a trip to London. Murty revealed that an immigration officer had refused to believe her address in London was 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister. The officer had reportedly said that Murty looked too simple to be the Prime Minister’s mother-in-law.

In an interview with a news channel, Murty narrated the incident, saying that she had gone to visit her son, who works in London. When the immigration officer saw her address on the visa application form, he asked her if it was a hotel or a private residence. Murty had replied that it was the Prime Minister’s residence, to which the officer had expressed his disbelief, stating that Murty looked too ordinary to be related to the Prime Minister.

Murty, who is known for her wit and humor, took the incident in stride and found it amusing. She said that she had told the officer that the Prime Minister’s family was just like any other family and that they too had simple and ordinary members. Murty further added that the officer had eventually let her through after a brief conversation.

The incident, though humorous, highlights the stereotypes and prejudices that people often have based on one’s appearance. Murty’s anecdote also serves as a reminder that one should not judge a book by its cover and that everyone, regardless of their appearance, deserves respect and consideration.

Re-reported from the story originally published in The Indian Express