Actor Kasthuri Shankar was arrested in Hyderabad on Saturday following backlash over her remarks about Telugu-speaking people in Tamil Nadu.
Her comments, made during a meeting of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, sparked controversy, with BJP national co-in charge of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, demanding an apology.
Reddy criticized her statements, stating they disrupted harmony among Tamil Nadu’s people and contradicted the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
On November 6, Kasthuri apologized, announcing she had withdrawn all references to the Telugu community from her November 3 speech.
She clarified that it was never her intention to hurt or offend the Telugu community.
"I am sorry for any inadvertent ill feeling. In the interest of all-round amity, I withdraw all references to Telugus in my speech," she wrote on X.
Kasthuri explained that her comments were contextually specific to certain individuals and not directed at the broader Telugu community. She also expressed regret that the controversy overshadowed the core points of her speech.
Following her remarks, Kasthuri revealed she had received numerous threats. A respected Telugu friend, she shared, had patiently explained how her words impacted the Telugu population in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
In her apology, Kasthuri emphasized her deep connection with the Telugu community, highlighting her admiration for the region's history and culture.
"I grew up admiring the glorious days of the Nayak kings, Kattabomman Nayaka, and singing Tyagaraja kritis. I cherish my film career in Telugu cinema. Telugu people have given me a name, fame, love, and a family," she said.
Kasthuri reaffirmed her commitment to living above caste and regional differences and expressed hope for continued harmony between communities.