Mumbai

Actor Sohail Khan has issued an apology for riding a motorcycle without a helmet after facing criticism over violation of traffic rules.

A video showing the actor riding a bike in Mumbai without wearing a helmet recently surfaced on social media, drawing sharp reactions from netizens who termed the act careless and irresponsible, particularly with regard to road safety norms.

Responding to the backlash, Sohail took to Instagram to explain that he sometimes avoids wearing a helmet due to claustrophobia, while admitting that it was not a valid justification.

“I would like to request all bike riders to please wear helmets. I avoid wearing them at times as I feel claustrophobic, but that's no excuse to not wear one,” he wrote.

Sohail added that riding has been his passion since childhood and said he usually rides late at night when traffic is minimal, at a slow pace, with a car following him to reduce risk. He assured followers that he would make a sincere effort to overcome his claustrophobia and adhere to traffic rules.

“I assure fellow riders that I will make a genuine effort to wear a helmet. My sincere apologies to the traffic authorities. I will follow all the rules henceforth,” he said.

The actor also praised riders who consistently wear helmets despite discomfort, emphasising that “it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Along with the statement, Sohail shared a video of himself riding the bike without a helmet.

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On the professional front, Sohail Khan began his career as a filmmaker, making his directorial debut with Auzaar (1997). He later directed Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) and Hello Brother (1999). He made his acting debut with Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002) and later appeared in films including Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005) and Dabangg 3.