Mumbai, December 16, 2025 – Actor and filmmaker Sohail Khan has issued a public apology after a video of him riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Mumbai went viral, sparking widespread criticism on social media. The clip, which showed Khan riding a high-end bike in the Bandra area, ignited concerns about road safety and adherence to traffic regulations.

Responding to the backlash, Khan took to Instagram on Sunday, December 14, to address the incident. In a lengthy post, accompanied by a screenshot from the video, he urged all riders to prioritize safety and explained his reason for not wearing a helmet. Khan admitted that he sometimes avoids wearing a helmet because he feels "claustrophobic". However, he acknowledged that this was "no excuse" for violating traffic rules.

"I would like to request all bike riders to please wear helmets," Khan wrote. "I avoid wearing them at times as I feel claustrophobic, but that is no excuse for not wearing one". He further explained that riding has been a passion since childhood, starting with BMX cycles, and that he mostly rides late at night when there is less traffic, at a slow pace, with his car following him to minimize risks.

Despite these precautions, Khan emphasized that they do not substitute for the safety measures required by law. He vowed to make a "genuine effort" to overcome his claustrophobia and wear a helmet in the future, assuring the traffic authorities of his commitment to following all rules. He also saluted riders who wear helmets despite the discomfort, recognizing its necessity for safety. "It is better to be safe than sorry. Once again, I am really sorry," he concluded.

The apology has received positive feedback from the online community, with many expressing satisfaction with Khan's admission and advocacy for helmet safety. Road safety advocates have reiterated that even skilled riders are at risk of severe head injuries without proper protection, especially on urban roads.

Khan's recent actions have reignited the discussion surrounding celebrity accountability and the influence public figures have on the public's perception of the law. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, wearing a helmet is mandatory for two-wheeler riders, with violations leading to fines and penalties. Authorities have consistently emphasized that helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries.

Sohail Khan's last on-screen appearance was in the Telugu film Arjun: Son of Vyjayanthi, which was released earlier in 2025. He began his career as a film producer and director, with his directorial debut being the 1997 action thriller Auzaar, starring his brother Salman Khan and Sanjay Kapoor.