State Award-winning Malayalam actor Vincy Aloshious has issued a detailed clarification through an Instagram video following backlash over her recent remarks about refusing to act alongside drug-using co-stars. The Rekha actor had initially made the statement during an anti-drug campaign event, saying she would not work with individuals who use narcotics. The comment drew mixed reactions online, prompting Vincy to elaborate on her reasons. In the video, she recounted a disturbing personal experience from a film set where a co-actor, allegedly under the influence of drugs, behaved inappropriately towards her and another colleague.

According to Vincy, the male lead of the film, who is a known drug user, displayed erratic and inappropriate behaviour during shoots. She said his conduct made it difficult for her to continue working on the film. “Once, when there was a minor issue with my costume, he came forward and said, ‘Shall I have a look? I’ll fix it for you,’ in front of everyone,” she said. On another occasion, she claimed to have witnessed him exhaling a white powdery substance during a rehearsal. She made it clear that her stance was not against individuals’ private choices but about how such behaviour affects others in professional environments. “Using drugs is one thing. But using them on set and disturbing others is not acceptable,” she said.

Vincy explained that she only continued work on the project because the team, including the director, repeatedly apologised and requested her to stay. “I had only a few days of shoot left. I somehow endured and completed it,” she said. Responding to criticism that her statement was attention-seeking or a cover for a lack of opportunities, Vincy said she was unafraid to admit that she is currently not flooded with film offers. “I have the courage to say that I’m waiting for good roles,” she said, adding that her statement had nothing to do with professional insecurity. She also rejected the notion that one needs to be a “superstar” to take a principled stance. “Whether someone is a star or not, a position is a position. It deserves respect,” she said.

Reaffirming her values, Vincy stated that she has chosen to keep substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs out of her life. “I love cinema and acting, but it is only a part of my life, not my entire identity,” she added.

Vincy will next be seen in Soothravakyam, co-starring Shine Tom Chacko in the lead.