Apeksha Porwal defends South actors trolled for Hindi accent
Synopsis
'Jailer 2' actress Apeksha Porwal has pushed back firmly against the trolling of South Indian stars for their Hindi accents, arguing that effort to learn a new language deserves applause, not mockery. Her remarks spotlight a real double standard in how pan-India audiences receive cross-regional talent — and come on the heels of Rashmika Mandanna's own candid admission on 'Koffee With Karan'.
Key Takeaways
Apeksha Porwal , star of 'Jailer 2' , called trolling of South Indian actors for their Hindi accent 'absolutely not right'.
She said those who troll likely 'might not be able to speak another language themselves' if challenged.
Actress Rashmika Mandanna recently disclosed on 'Koffee With Karan' Season 9 that she has faced accent criticism throughout her career.
Mandanna said she never let the criticism limit her work across film industries and languages.
The debate reflects wider tensions as pan-India cinema brings South Indian stars into Hindi-speaking markets at scale.
'Jailer 2' actress Apeksha Porwal has spoken out against the growing trend of trolling South Indian actors for their Hindi accent, calling the practice 'absolutely not right'. In an exclusive conversation, Porwal argued that effort and intent deserve appreciation, not ridicule, when an artist works in a language outside their comfort zone.
What Apeksha Porwal Said
Porwal made a pointed observation about those who mock actors for linguistic imperfections. 'We should understand that when someone is not comfortable with a particular language but is still making an effort to learn and speak it, we should appreciate that effort rather than laugh at them or troll them,' she said.
She also turned the argument around on the trolls themselves. 'I am sure that if these same trolls were asked to speak another language, they might not be able to do it themselves. When someone is working hard and making an effort, they should be applauded, not criticised,' Porwal added.
The Rashmika Mandanna Connection
Porwal's remarks come in the context of a widely discussed moment involving actress Rashmika Mandanna, who recently addressed criticism over her Hindi accent during her appearance on Season 9 of the chat show 'Koffee With Karan'. The 'Animal' and 'Pushpa' star revealed that she has faced such criticism throughout her career but has never let it restrict her from working across different film industries and languages.
Mandanna, who hails from South India, acknowledged that her accent comes naturally from her background. She stressed her desire to work in multiple languages rather than confine herself to a single industry — a stance that resonated with many fans even as online criticism persisted.
Why the Debate Matters
The trolling of South Indian actors for their Hindi diction reflects a broader tension within the Indian film industry as pan-India cinema rises. Films like 'Pushpa', 'KGF', and 'RRR' have brought South Indian stars into mainstream Hindi-speaking markets at an unprecedented scale, yet the cross-cultural exchange has not always been friction-free. Critics argue that linguistic gatekeeping undermines the very idea of a unified Indian entertainment ecosystem.
Notably, Hindi-speaking actors who work in South Indian languages have rarely faced similar public mockery for their accents, raising questions about a double standard in audience expectations and social media behaviour.
Industry Voices and What Comes Next
Porwal's comments add to a growing chorus of voices within the film industry pushing back against accent-based trolling. As more South Indian productions court national audiences and cast across linguistic lines, the conversation around cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in Bollywood and pan-India cinema is likely to intensify.
Point of View
Yet Hindi-speaking actors working in Tamil or Telugu rarely face equivalent public ridicule. As the industry becomes genuinely multilingual, this double standard will become harder to sustain. Porwal's remarks, however well-intentioned, also reveal how the burden of linguistic adaptation continues to fall disproportionately on artists from the South.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Apeksha Porwal say about South Indian actors being trolled for their Hindi accent?
Apeksha Porwal said the trolling is 'absolutely not right' and urged audiences to appreciate the effort an actor puts in when working in a language they are not fully comfortable with. She added that trolls who mock accents would likely struggle themselves if asked to speak in another language.
Why is Rashmika Mandanna relevant to this debate?
Rashmika Mandanna recently appeared on 'Koffee With Karan' Season 9 and openly discussed facing criticism over her Hindi accent throughout her career. She said she never allowed it to stop her from working across different film industries, adding that her accent is a natural product of her South Indian background.
Why are South Indian actors increasingly working in Hindi films?
The success of pan-India films like 'Pushpa', 'KGF', and 'RRR' has brought South Indian stars into mainstream Hindi-speaking markets at unprecedented scale. This cross-industry movement has boosted careers but has also exposed actors to a new wave of accent-based criticism from audiences unfamiliar with their linguistic backgrounds.
Is there a double standard in how accent trolling works in Indian cinema?
Critics argue yes — South Indian actors are frequently mocked for their Hindi accents, while Hindi-speaking actors who work in South Indian languages have rarely faced comparable public ridicule. This perceived asymmetry has fuelled frustration among industry voices calling for more inclusive cultural attitudes.
Who is Apeksha Porwal?
Apeksha Porwal is an Indian actress known for her role in 'Jailer 2'. She has spoken publicly on issues of inclusivity and the challenges faced by actors working across India's multiple film industries and languages.
