'I was wrapped up in myself'

Actor Fardeen Khan, arrested for possessing cocaine expressed "deep regret" over his involvement in the drug seizure incident.

Fardeen also admitted he had realised at a very early stage the consequences of drug abuse.

"I regret what has happened at several levels. But my deepest regret is the pain, anguish and sleepless nights my family and all those who love me experienced because of my actions," Fardeen confessed at his Juhu residence on Friday evening, a day after he was freed on bail by a court.

"The only explanation I can offer is that I became so wrapped up in myself and in my work that I ignored the responsibility of being a role model, a fact I was not aware of," Fardeen. His father, noted actor-filmmaker Feroz Khan, was also present.

Stated the actor, "The bottomline is that taking drugs is not cool, hip, trendy... or the answer to any of our problems. It will eventually kill you one way or another."

Fardeen thanked the Narcotics Control Bureau officials for believing in him and counselling him along with the other accused: "They made me realise the consequences of substance abuse. I am proud that India has such officers."

PTI