Actor and producer Sohail Khan recently came under intense public scrutiny after a video of him riding a high-end motorcycle on Mumbai streets without wearing a helmet went viral on social media. The clip, reportedly filmed in the Bandra area, showed the actor casually cruising on a bike valued at around ₹17 lakh, immediately raising concerns about road safety and compliance with traffic rules.
As the video gained traction online, many social media users criticised Sohail for allegedly setting a poor example, especially in a bustling city like Mumbai where traffic congestion and road accidents are common. The backlash quickly grew, prompting the actor to respond publicly to the criticism.
Taking to Instagram, Sohail issued a heartfelt apology and acknowledged that his actions were wrong. In his statement, he admitted that riding without a helmet was a clear violation of traffic norms and urged fellow riders to prioritise safety over personal comfort. The actor candidly shared that he sometimes avoids wearing helmets due to claustrophobia, but emphasised that this discomfort does not excuse breaking the law.
Sohail also spoke about his long-standing passion for biking, revealing that his love for two-wheelers began in childhood with BMX cycles before progressing to motorcycles. He explained that riding has always been a personal passion rather than a display of recklessness.
Addressing safety concerns, Sohail mentioned that he usually rides late at night when traffic is minimal, maintains a slow pace, and often has his car follow him for added security. However, he stressed that these measures do not justify ignoring safety regulations. Assuring fans and authorities alike, the actor promised to make a genuine effort to overcome his discomfort and follow traffic rules strictly going forward.
“I salute all riders who wear helmets despite the discomfort, because it is essential for our safety. It is always better to be safe than sorry,” Sohail said, reiterating his apology to both the public and traffic authorities.
The incident reignited a wider conversation online about celebrity accountability and the responsibility public figures carry in influencing everyday behaviour. While many users appreciated Sohail’s honest apology, others emphasised that celebrities must lead by example when it comes to road safety.
On the personal front, Sohail Khan was previously married to fashion designer Seema Sajdeh. The couple, who tied the knot in 1998, divorced in 2022 after 24 years of marriage and continue to co-parent their sons, Nirvan and Yohan.
Born on December 20, 1969, Sohail Salim Khan is a prominent figure in Hindi cinema and runs Sohail Khan Productions. He is also the younger brother of actors Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan.