Vijay Deverakonda Issues Apology and Clarification Over Remarks on Tribal Communities

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has publicly expressed his “sincere regret” after a police complaint was filed against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks about tribal people. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Vijay clarified that he had “absolutely no intention to hurt or target any community.” He also explained the context in which he used the word tribe during his remarks at an event for the film Retro in Hyderabad.

Vijay Deverakonda Releases Clarification Note

In his note, Vijay emphasised his respect for tribal communities, describing them as an integral part of India. He 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, whom I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country.”

He added that his comments at the event were meant to promote unity among Indians. “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,” he stated.

Vijay Clarifies the Use of the Word Tribe

Addressing the controversy around his use of the word tribe, Vijay explained that he was referring to the historical and dictionary meaning of the term, not the Scheduled Tribes classification in India. “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,” he clarified.

He further added the dictionary definition of tribe: “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.”

Vijay Expresses Regret

Vijay concluded his note by reaffirming his commitment to using his platform to spread positivity and unity. “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.” He signed off his note with a message of love for his followers, captioning his post, “To my dear brothers ❤️.”

What Did Vijay Say at the Event?

At the Retro audio launch event, while addressing the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 28 people dead and many others injured on April 22, Vijay said: “The solution to what is happening in Kashmir is also to educate them (terrorists) and ensure they don’t get brainwashed. What will they achieve? 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. Asalu 500 years back tribals kokkutunnatu, veelu buddhi lekunda, minimum common sense lekunda chese panulu.”
(Translation: “They behave like tribals did 500 years ago, fighting without common sense.”)

The Aftermath

Following these remarks, a complaint was filed against Vijay by lawyer Lal Chauhan, as reported by Telangana Today. The complaint alleged that Vijay’s comments, made in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack, likened the attackers’ actions to those of tribal communities hundreds of years ago — which led to the controversy.