The controversy erupted after an X (formerly Twitter) post described them, along with fellow actors Charithra Chandran and Shabana Azeez, as fitting a 'kamwali bai (maid) phenotype'.

The offensive comment quickly drew backlash online, with the actors themselves calling out the stereotypes and discriminatory undertones embedded in the remark.

Supriya Ganesh, known for her role as Dr Samira Mohan in The Pitt, did not mince words while responding to the post. She described the remark as 'colourist, classist, garbage' and also pointed out its casteist implications—an aspect often overlooked in discussions about representation.

In her response, Ganesh stressed the importance of speaking up against such narratives. She said she would continue to challenge such views to ensure that people who look like her are not made to feel inferior or marginalised.

Her reaction struck a chord with many users, who echoed her concerns about persistent biases in global entertainment industries and online spaces.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, widely recognised for her lead role as Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix series Never Have I Ever, also hit back at the troll with a blunt reply.

Responding to the post, she wrote, 'Womp Womp cry harder. It must be hard to look at four baddies constantly,' a remark that quickly gained traction among fans and supporters.

Her response was widely shared, with many praising her for addressing the issue head-on while maintaining confidence and humour.

The exchange triggered a wave of support for the actors across social media platforms. Several users criticised the troll's remarks, calling them racist, colourist and rooted in outdated stereotypes.

Many pointed out that such comments reflect deeper societal biases about beauty standards and representation, particularly concerning South Asian identities in Western media. Others highlighted the actors' achievements, noting their growing presence in international projects as a sign of changing narratives.

Some users also remarked that the backlash against the troll demonstrated increasing awareness and intolerance towards discriminatory language online.

The incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing conversation around how Indian and South Asian actors are portrayed in Hollywood and global entertainment.

Charithra Chandran, who gained recognition for her role as Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, and Shabana Azeez, known for her role in The Pitt as well as Australian productions, have both been part of a new wave of talent redefining representation.

However, despite increased visibility, discussions around colourism, stereotyping and typecasting continue to surface. Critics argue that while opportunities have expanded, biases—both subtle and overt—still persist within casting decisions and audience perceptions.

The responses from Supriya Ganesh and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan underline a broader shift in how actors are confronting discrimination in the public sphere. Rather than ignoring such remarks, many are choosing to directly challenge harmful narratives and assert their identities with confidence.

As conversations around diversity and inclusion evolve, incidents like these serve as reminders of the work still needed to dismantle entrenched stereotypes. At the same time, the strong support from audiences indicates a growing push towards more respectful and authentic representation in global media.