Vijay slams those dismissing him as just an actor in fiery speech during the home stretch of Tamil Nadu elections

Ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections, Vijay spoke about being dismissed as just an actor in his final speech in Chennai. Here's what he said.

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay delivered a fiery speech in Chennai during the home stretch of the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. The actor-politician slammed those dismissing him as just an actor during his address, where he also spoke about the Karur stampede, which left over 40 dead. (Also Read: Prakash Raj takes dig at his ‘chellam’ and Jana Nayagan co-star Vijay's ‘cinema model’ of politics ahead of TN elections)

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay addresses a public meeting ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in Chennai. (PTI)

Vijay slams those dismissing him as just an actor

At the public gathering, which took place in Chennai on Tuesday, Vijay seemed annoyed as he said sarcastically, “There’s this minister who keeps saying, Vijay is an actor, Vijay is an actor…Yes, I am an actor. It’s as if he has discovered something new.” He, however, spoke about his future in politics, adding, “But I haven’t acted in politics. I haven’t acted since entering politics. What you’re doing is performing drama over drama, shall we call you actors and actresses then?”

Vijay also spoke about the Karur stampede during a TVK rally last year that left over 40 dead and many injured. “Why are you blaming me? You made a video saying we wouldn’t even talk about this, and now you're blaming me for it,” he said before forcefully adding, “I was there at the time the police provided permission to me. Everything is on live, don’t you have a conscience?” He seemed to be pointing fingers at the ruling party, DMK, for the stampede, which he said in the past left him ‘heartbroken’.

Vijay in the news recently

Ever since Vijay announced in February 2024 that he would enter politics with his TVK party, the actor has been in the news for more than just films. Even as many wondered if he would form an alliance before the TN elections, which will be held on April 23, the actor-politician chose to contest alone. He has been vocal about the reforms he wants to bring to the state, should he win the election.

Vijay has also been in the news for planning to quit films. His final film, H Vinoth’s Jana Nayagan, was supposed to hit screens in January for Pongal. But it had to be postponed at the last minute due to a delay in CBFC certification. Producer KVN Productions hasn’t received relief despite approaching the court. The film’s HD print was leaked online on April 9, and nine arrests were made in the case.

The actor-politician’s wife, Sangeeta Sornalingam, filed for divorce, and the news broke in February. In March, Vijay attended a wedding reception with Trisha Krishnan in matching outfits.