New Delhi, Aug. 24 -- Actor Janhvi Kapoor has responded to growing online criticism over her accent and portrayal of a Malayali character in her upcoming romantic comedy 'Param Sundari'.

Speaking to ET Digital, Janhvi clarified that her character in the film is of mixed South Indian heritage - "half-Tamilian and half-Malayali".

"Finally, here was a story that had all of that, but also gave me the chance to go towards my roots," Janhvi said. "Of course, I'm not a Malayali, and neither was my mother, but my character is actually half-Tamilian and half-Malayali. I've always been very interested in that terrain and that culture, and I'm also a huge fan of Malayalam cinema."

Janhvi's late mother, legendary actor Sridevi, was Tamilian, a det...