Inspired by extremely confusing conversations I've had with many different people throughout the years

Don't think skin color would apply here. Even Punjabis has two types dark, medium and fair skin (almost Caucasian ish). I'm a fair skinned non-tamil, and have always been mistaken as a medium shade Punjabi. My family comprises of all shades too, akin to Malay/Chinese people where everyone comes in different skin colors.

Implying North Indians are fair just by Bollywood is big no. Just look at travel channels, you'd get an idea.

Sauce : have Punjabi friends, and various ethnic non-tamils acquaintances and also worked closely with India Indians (both North, East and South India)

Funnily, over the years of my existence I am able to differentiate each of the ethnic traits be it Tamil, Punjabi, Gurajatis or any of the non-majority indian population.

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