Video of Sohail Khan riding without helmet sparks backlash
Actor Sohail Khan faced online criticism after a clip of him riding his Rs 17 lakh motorcycle on Bandra roads in Mumbai without a helmet went viral over the weekend. Netizens quickly called him out for flouting traffic rules and for the example it sets for fans and fellow riders.
Sohail issues a sincere apology
Responding on social media, Sohail accepted the mistake and posted a detailed apology. He admitted not wearing a helmet was wrong and asked riders to always wear one. “I avoid wearing them at times as I feel claustrophobic but that’s no excuse to not wear one,” he wrote, adding that he will make a genuine effort to overcome his claustrophobia.
He also apologised to traffic authorities and said he would follow all rules going forward. Sohail praised riders who consistently wear helmets despite discomfort, calling it necessary for safety and reiterating, “it is better to be safe than sorry.”
His side of the story
Sohail explained his long love for riding, tracing it back to childhood BMX days. He said he usually rides late at night when traffic is light, keeps a slow pace and often has a car following him to reduce risk — but added none of these precautions justify breaking traffic laws.
Why this made headlines
The controversy has put Sohail back in the public eye after a relatively quiet period. He returned to acting in 2017 with Tubelight after a seven-year hiatus, appearing alongside brother Salman Khan, and has largely stayed away from big-screen projects since. This helmet episode is one of the few recent occasions he’s been in the news.
Takeaway
- Road safety matters: Celebrities’ actions are visible and influence public behaviour.
- Personal issues vs. public responsibility: Claustrophobia can be real, but safety rules are important for everyone.
- Sohail’s response: Acknowledging the mistake and promising to change helped defuse some criticism, though the clip sparked an important conversation about helmet use and traffic discipline.
