From Melbourne to the Big Screen: Akhilesh Jain’s Journey in Carving His Spot in the Entertainment Scene

In the dynamic industry of acting, diversity, and creativity are increasingly celebrated. Akhilesh Jain, an actor with a flair for natural comic timing and a fearless approach to performance, is making notable strides. His journey, from rigorous acting training to landing significant roles in Australia’s world of film and theatre, mirrors what audiences in the entertainment industry should look forward to. 

Building in the Right Foundation

Jain’s journey began in theatre, where raw emotions and unfiltered talent converge. His early days at Red Stitch Theatre, a hub for emerging talents in Melbourne, laid the groundwork for a career marked by versatility and depth. Here, Jain sharpened his skills, bringing characters to life with a blend of natural comic timing and emotional depth.

Furthering his dedication to the craft, Jain sought professional training at prestigious institutions like Brave Studios and the New York Film Academy. Undergoing a 12-month advanced acting program enriched his understanding of acting, providing invaluable lessons from some of the industry’s best, including Rob Meldrum, Damian Walshe Howling, and Lyndelle Green. He further enhanced his talent by taking private accent training lessons with Jenny Kent, improving his acting skills.

Under the guidance of these mentors, Jain gained exposure to different acting methods. He then blended them with his unique touch to create an acting style that has started making a mark in the Australian TV and film industry. This blend of early passion, formal training, and ongoing education forms the foundation for Jain’s booming acting career.

“My passion for acting was ignited during my childhood,” he shares. “I am sometimes filled with fear, but I was fortunate to receive enough support to turn my passion into skills, paving the way for my growth in this field.”

From Australia, Jain has recently attended the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, USA, where he witnessed this year’s list of most-anticipated films, further strengthening his acting skills on a global scale. 

Taking His Craft to Action

As Jain stepped out of his training days, he began applying his skills and talent to the real world, showcasing his adaptability and acting excellence. His charisma and flair for comedy were vividly displayed in his involvement with the ensemble ‘Ethical Soup.’ The audience declared their performances winners in the “Cage Match” at “The Improv Conspiracy” theatre in 2021. This achievement showcased his skill in comedic acting and underscored his ability to connect with and captivate an audience. He is now part of the show “F**k this, I quit” which is premiered every friday at “The Improv Conspiracy” theatre.

Beyond the Australian stage, Jain’s career has spanned diverse experiences, including working in Bollywood and acting in short films in the USA. He played the lead role in a short film called “Mumma,” which was selected at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. These projects gave him a unique perspective on the multilayered nature of the film industry, challenging him to accomplish more.

However, Jain’s breakthrough came with his substantial role in the 2023 Stan Original film, “Jones Family Christmas,” and a bagged Graduate actor position for Jeff Stetson’s “The Meeting” at the Red Stitch Theatre in 2022. In these roles, Jain incorporated a part of himself into every character he portrayed. Knowing when to show his comedic acting approach to a sudden change in delivering dramatic lines, Jain’s versatility as an actor has garnered critical acclaim and audience appreciation.

Influence and Inspiration

Despite Jain’s solid acting background and global experience, the actor admits breaking into the Australian entertainment industry was challenging. The Australian film and theatre scene, like many entertainment industries around the world, has seen a unique set of norms and expectations. As an Indian actor in a foreign landscape, Jain has navigated a complex and often daunting path to showcase his talents.

However, this is when Jain’s perseverance and resilience become very helpful. The initial phase of his career was met with the usual hurdles, but his commitment to his craft and his ability to bring a fresh perspective to his performances slowly started to turn the tide. His diverse experiences in Australia and internationally began to carve a niche for him in the industry, gradually garnering recognition and respect.

Now, as Jain begins to build his name in Australian cinema and theatre, he forges a path for himself and is opening doors for other actors of color. By leveraging his success and the ability to speak four languages–English, Hindi, Marathi, and Marwari (Rajasthani), he actively advocates for more inclusive casting and challenges conventional narratives. He encourages mentors to spot emerging talents from diverse backgrounds, bringing richness and diversity to Australian cinema and theatre.