Akshay Kumar Defends Wamiqa Gabbi Amid Comparisons to Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif After ‘Bhoot Bangla’ Release

Mumbai, India — April 19, 2026

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has come out in strong support of his co-star Wamiqa Gabbi after social media comparisons linked her to leading actresses Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif following the release of their film Bhoot Bangla.

The comparisons, which gained traction online, focused on Gabbi’s screen presence and appearance, with some users highlighting similarities in her eyes with Rai and speculating about her on-screen pairing with Kumar drawing parallels to his past collaborations with Kaif.

Akshay Kumar Responds to Comparisons

Addressing the conversation in a recent interaction, Akshay Kumar emphasized that Wamiqa Gabbi has built her career independently and should be recognized for her individual identity.

He acknowledged the comparisons but clarified that while physical similarities may exist, Gabbi’s journey and talent stand on their own merit. Kumar noted that she has carved her path through consistent work and versatility across multiple film industries.

Wamiqa Gabbi’s Growing Film Journey

Wamiqa Gabbi has steadily expanded her footprint in Indian cinema, working across Punjabi, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films. Her diverse roles and genre exploration have contributed to her rising visibility in mainstream Bollywood.

Industry observers highlight that cross-industry performers like Gabbi are increasingly gaining recognition for their adaptability and range.

Bhoot Bangla Performance and Cast

Bhoot Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, marks a reunion between the filmmaker and Akshay Kumar after more than a decade. The horror-comedy also features a strong ensemble cast including Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, and Tabu.

Released on April 17, the film has received mixed reviews but has shown steady box office traction. Within its first two days, it has earned approximately ₹35 crore domestically, supported by weekend growth.

Industry Perspective

The debate around comparisons reflects a broader trend in Bollywood, where emerging actors are often measured against established stars. However, industry voices increasingly advocate for evaluating talent based on individual performances rather than likeness to legacy figures.