New Delhi | September 3, 2025 : Malayalam actor Priya Prakash Varrier, widely known as the ‘Wink Girl’ for her viral moment in the 2019 film Oru Adaar Love, has unexpectedly been spotted as a background extra in the Bollywood film Param Sundari. The film, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra, has already been at the center of controversy over Malayali representation, and Priya’s minor role has sparked fresh conversations among fans.

In a widely shared video clip circulating on social media, Priya Varrier can be seen walking silently in the background of a crowd scene alongside Sidharth Malhotra. Dressed in a red and white saree, she appears without dialogue or significant screen presence. The appearance surprised many viewers, who were quick to express disappointment that she was given such a small part despite her popularity.

One social media user wrote, “I wonder how no one noticed this before,” while another commented, “She deserves better. From viral sensation to background actor? That’s heartbreaking.” Some even suggested that Priya would have been a better fit for Janhvi Kapoor’s role as Thekkepattu Sundari Damodharan Pillai, a character depicted as half-Malayali and half-Tamilian.

The casting of Janhvi Kapoor in Param Sundari has drawn criticism from Malayali audiences, who feel that authentic representation was overlooked. Many Malayali content creators publicly voiced their discontent, only to allege later that Instagram removed several of their critical posts about the film.

Directed by Tushar Jalota, the film portrays Sidharth Malhotra as Param Sachdev opposite Janhvi Kapoor’s Sundari. While the storyline attempted to blend regional cultures, critics argue that the portrayal leaned on stereotypes and missed opportunities for authentic casting. The reviews for the film so far have not been favorable, with many pointing to both narrative and representation issues.

Priya Varrier’s unexpected background appearance has fueled further debate. Fans questioned why an actor who gained nationwide recognition through a viral clip—and who has since built a diverse acting career—was reduced to a silent role. “She would have been better for Janhvi’s role. I just can’t stand Bollywood,” another social media comment read.

Since her debut in Oru Adaar Love, Priya has acted in multiple Telugu and Malayalam projects. She stepped into Hindi cinema with Yaariyan 2 in 2023 and has steadily expanded her portfolio with upcoming projects including Ajith Kumar’s Tamil film Good Bad Ugly and Hindi films 3 Monkeys and Love Hackers.

While some defended her small role in Param Sundari as a professional choice, the larger controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Bollywood around inclusivity and authentic representation. For many fans, Priya Varrier’s mere presence in the background underscores how opportunities for regional actors in mainstream Hindi films remain limited.

As debates continue on social media, the incident has once again brought to the forefront the importance of meaningful representation in cinema. Whether Priya’s appearance was a creative decision or a missed opportunity, the discussion around her role in Param Sundari shows no sign of fading anytime soon.