Vijay Deverakonda has issued an official statement on his recent comments on the Adivasi tribes and Pahalgam terror attack, that caused controversy and backlash. After this, a police complaint was filed against the Kingdom star and the complainant reportedly demanded an apology from Vijay. The actor shared a note on social media in which he assured everyone that he had no intention to hurt or target any community.
In his post, Vijay wrote, “It has come to my attention that a remark I made during the Retro audio launch event has caused concern among some members of the public. I wish to sincerely clarify: there was absolutely no intention to hurt or target any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, who I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country.”
He added, “I was speaking about unity – about how India is one, our people are one, and how we must move forward together. In what world would I, while urging us to stand united as a country, deliberately discriminate against any group of Indians – all of whom I see as my family, like my brothers. The word “tribe,” as I used it, was meant in the historical and dictionary sense, referring to a time centuries ago when human society globally was organised into tribes and clans, often in conflict. It was never a reference to the Scheduled Tribes classification, which was introduced during colonial and post-colonial India and formalised only in the mid-20th century — not even 100 years ago.”
“According to the English dictionary, “tribe” means: “A social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect. If any part of my message was misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness. I remain committed to using my platform to uplift and unify – never to divide,” the actor concluded.
To my dear brothers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QBGQGOjJBL
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) May 3, 2025
For the unversed, Vijay talked about the Pahalgam terror attack at the audio launch of Suriya’s film Retro caused backlash. According to Times Now, he said, “Kashmir belongs to India, and Kashmiris are ours. India doesn’t even need to attack Pakistan because Pakistanis themselves are fed up with their government and will attack them if this continues. They behave like tribals did 500 years ago, fighting without common sense.”
Also Read: Karan Johar On South Vs Hindi Cinema: ‘Don’t Divide Us, You Break Us’
On the work front, Vijay Deverakonda will next star in the film ‘Kingdom’.