Vijay Devarakonda Issues Clarification After Remarks Spark Backlash from Tribal Groups
Actor Vijay Devarakonda has issued a formal clarification after facing criticism from tribal leaders over a comment he made during a recent pre-release event. The controversy erupted following a remark made at a retro-themed audio launch where the actor said, “Why are we fighting like tribes?”—a statement that several tribal organizations found offensive and derogatory.
The Tribal Joint Action Committee (JAC) and leaders from the Telangana Tribals Association, including its president and advocate Kishanraj Chauhan, condemned the comment, accusing Devarakonda of disrespecting tribal communities and mocking their historical identity. The group also lodged a formal police complaint, demanding an immediate apology from the actor.
In response, Vijay Devarakonda released a press note offering an explanation and expressing regret. “It has come to my attention that some people’s sentiments were hurt by the comments I made during the ‘Retro’ audio launch event. I want to clarify that I did not speak with the intention to hurt anyone. I have immense respect for tribal communities. It was never my aim to insult them,” he stated.
The actor emphasized that his remark was meant to advocate unity and peace, not division. “I was speaking about how Indian people should stand together and move forward collectively. The word ‘tribes’ was used in a historical and general context, referring to ancient societal structures, not Scheduled Tribes. I consider every Indian as part of my extended family. If my words unintentionally caused hurt, I sincerely express my regret.”
Further contextualizing his usage, Devarakonda explained: “The term ‘tribes’ was meant in its dictionary and historical sense—referring to how societies were structured before modern civilization, when people lived in clans and frequently clashed. The classification of Scheduled Tribes is relatively recent and has been in place only since British colonial times.”
While the actor’s statement seeks to clarify intent and offer an apology to those offended, tribal leaders have not yet issued a response to the clarification.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibility of public figures when discussing sensitive topics and the importance of cultural awareness in public discourse.
