Akshay Kumar says modern actresses are well-trained, but less willing to experiment

Akshay Kumar. Pic via X

As Welcome to the Jungle gears up for its theatrical release on June 26, Akshay Kumar has weighed in on how the Hindi film industry has evolved over the years. The actor, who shares screen space with actresses from different generations in the upcoming comedy entertainer, believes today's actresses enter the industry far more prepared than their predecessors but may not be as willing to take creative risks.

Akshay Kumar on new actresses

Speaking to IANS, Akshay reflected on working with actors from different eras, including veterans from the 1990s, stars from the 2000s and younger actors such as Disha Patani.

When asked about the differences he notices between actresses from different decades, Akshay said that professionalism remains a common trait across generations.

"Well, they are all very professional. They are all beautiful. They are all good actresses. So, there is not much of a difference," he said.

However, he pointed out that newcomers today arrive with significantly more training and industry knowledge than actors did in earlier years.

"Today's actresses are more prepared than we used to be. They know everything. They have learnt a lot before entering the industry," Akshay shared.

Director Ahmed Khan echoed a similar sentiment, saying that actors in the past often entered the industry as raw talents who needed guidance, whereas today's performers are already 'fundamentally correct' when they begin their careers.

Multi-starrers need to return: Akshay Kumar

While praising the preparedness of younger actors, Akshay also highlighted what he feels is missing from the current generation: a willingness to embrace multi-starrer films.

According to the actor, many young stars are reluctant to be part of projects featuring multiple lead actors. "Not a lot of multi-starrers are made these days because they are not ready to adapt to the fact that why should we work in a multi-starrer movie," he said.

Akshay urged younger actors to consider such projects, arguing that ensemble films can benefit both audiences and the industry.

Drawing comparisons with an earlier era of Hindi cinema, he pointed out that legends such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shashi Kapoor and Vinod Khanna regularly worked together despite being major stars.

"I think, if we can do multi-starrers, it will be good for the industry," Akshay concluded.

Directed by Ahmed Khan, Welcome to the Jungle is slated to release in cinemas on June 26, 2026.