'He should've never entered politics': Vijay's co-star after Karur stampede
What's the story
Vinodhini Vaidynathan, Vijay's co-star in the 2014 film Jilla, has questioned the actor-turned-politician for entering politics. Her comments come in the wake of a tragic stampede at a rally organized by Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. The incident claimed at least 39 lives and left over 90 injured.
Concern voiced
'Why oh why did he have to enter politics?'
Vaidynathan took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts on the incident. She wrote, "I love Vijay sir, the actor. I worked with him in Jilla." "So much love was showered upon him by the people of Tamil Nadu when he was only an actor. He was the undisputed leader of the film industry." "Why oh why did he have to enter politics?"
Emotional plea
'I don't know how you are going to handle this'
Vaidynathan added, "My brother, I truly don't know how you are going to handle this guilt." "He is an extremely nice person at heart. The hate he is receiving now feels personal." She also emphasized that she has chosen not to comment on Vijay's political career or party ideologies. In another tweet, she wrote, "I think he should just not have entered the arena of politics."
Request for respect
'Let us mourn the deaths of these innocent souls'
Vaidynathan continued, "But as a person, knowing him to be a mild-mannered, soft-spoken, kind-hearted human being, I'm sure he is truly devastated by the deaths of so many innocent people." "Please don't politicize this incident. Let us mourn the deaths of these innocent souls in deep sorrow. Let us not be consumed by hate. Please."
Twitter Post
Here's what she wrote
I love Vijay sir the actor. I worked with him in Jilla. When I got down from the stage after receiving Vikatan award for Aandavan kattalai, he was seated in the first row. I went up to him, showed him the award, took his wishes and only then went back to my seat. So much love was…
— Vinodhini Vaidynathan (@VinodhiniUnoffl) September 28, 2025
Celebrity responses
Other celebrities also react to tragedy
Several other celebrities also expressed their shock and condolences over the tragic incident. Actor Vishal called it "heart-wrenching," while director Pa Ranjith said he was "deeply shocked and pained." Arun Vijay questioned who was truly responsible for the tragedy, asking if it was Vijay, the government, or the parents who brought their children into such a massive crowd.