Vijay Deverakonda clarifies comparison of Pahalgam attack with tribal clashes, expresses regret-OxBig News Network

Actor Vijay Deverakonda
| Photo Credit: @thedeverakonda/Instagram

Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda has reacted to the controversy around his remarks during the recently-held audio launch of Retro, starring Suriya and directed by Karthik Subbaraj. On May 02, 2025 (Friday), a complaint was registered against the actor in Hyderabad for allegedly demeaning the tribal community.

According to the complaint, Vijay Deverakonda, while referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, allegedly compared the incident to historic clashes involving tribal communities. Advocate Lal Chauhan, who complained against the remark, claimed the actor’s comments were deeply offensive and amounted to demeaning the tribal population.

On May 03, 2025 (Saturday), Deverakonda posted on X that “there was no intention to hurt or target any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, who I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country.” The actor 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 as a country, deliberately discriminate against any group of Indians – all of whom I see as my family, like my brothers.

Deverakonda said “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.”

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Association president Kishan Raj Chauhan, who demanded a public apology from the actor, said, “The actor’s reference to tribal communities in the context of terrorism is unacceptable and dangerous.” Deverakonda apologised to “those who misunderstood his message.” “I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress and togetherness.”