Bollywood actor-producer Sohail Khan has issued a public apology after a video of him riding his ₹17 lakh high-end motorcycle without a helmet on Mumbai’s Bandra streets went viral on December 14, 2025. The clip, which also shows him confronting a passerby recording him—using abusive language and asking them to stop—drew widespread criticism for violating traffic rules and setting a poor example. Netizens slammed the “privilege” of flouting safety norms, with comments like “Celebrities think rules don’t apply” flooding social media.
Sohail’s Response: Claustrophobia and a Pledge to Change
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sohail addressed the backlash, admitting his mistake while revealing he suffers from claustrophobia. “I avoid wearing them at times as I feel claustrophobic, but that’s no excuse,” he wrote, sharing a photo of himself on the bike. He urged fellow riders to prioritize safety: “I would like to request all bike riders please wear helmets… It is better to be safe than sorry.” Sohail saluted those who wear helmets despite discomfort and vowed, “I assure fellow riders that I will make a genuine effort to overcome my claustrophobia and wear a helmet… My sincere apologies to the traffic authorities, and I assure them that I will follow all the rules henceforth.”
The Backdrop: Passion for Riding Meets Public Scrutiny
Sohail, Salman Khan’s brother, has long been passionate about biking, starting from BMX cycles in childhood. He explained riding late at night with light traffic and a following car as precautions, but acknowledged no excuse for breaking rules. The incident echoes past celebrity helmet controversies, amplifying calls for accountability.
Netizens Divided: Support and Criticism
While some praised his honesty—”Claustrophobia is real, but good on him for apologizing”—others remained unforgiving: “Abused the recorder too? Apology doesn’t erase that.” The post garnered mixed reactions, with many appreciating his road safety message.
A Lesson in Accountability
Sohail Khan’s apology isn’t evasion—it’s ownership. As a viral lapse meets a vulnerable admission, it thunders: Can stars steer safety? His pledge affirms yes, scripting a reminder where rides respect rules in celebrity’s ceaseless cycle.
-By Manoj H