Bollywood's Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, is gearing up for a grand return to the Indian television screen. The actor will be seen as the host of the much-anticipated game show, Wheel of Fortune India, slated to premiere in 2026. This marks his comeback to the small screen after a hiatus of four years.
A Journey Back to Television
Akshay Kumar is no stranger to television audiences. With a career spanning over 35 years in films, he has also carved a notable niche on TV. His journey as a host began in 2004 with Seven Deadly Arts with Akshay Kumar. He later became synonymous with high-octane reality shows, most notably hosting multiple seasons of the adventure-based Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019.
His television portfolio also includes judging the first season of MasterChef India in 2010. His most recent appearance was as the host of India’s Ultimate Warrior in 2022. The announcement of him helming Wheel of Fortune has generated significant excitement among his fans and television enthusiasts alike.
What to Expect from Wheel of Fortune India
The first promo for the show was unveiled on Sony TV's official social media channels on December 20, 2025. Akshay Kumar himself shared the teaser on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, captioning it with a hint of the show's theme: "Ab matter karega har ek akshar, jab ghumega jaadu ka chakkar?"
The promo suggests that the Indian adaptation will follow the classic format where contestants solve word puzzles to win exciting prizes. The show will air exclusively on Sony TV and will also be available for streaming on SonyLIV.
Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz
The announcement sparked immediate reactions online. One fan pointed out on X that Wheel of Fortune is a beloved format making a return to Indian television after nearly three decades. Others expressed enthusiasm about Akshay Kumar's hosting style. "His comic side will work well on a show like this," commented a user. Another drew a fun comparison, saying, "He reminded me of Akshay Kumar from Housefull 2," highlighting his flair for comedy.
Some comments also playfully referenced the weight of "har ek akshar" (every letter) in the current context, hoping the show's magic wheel would be guided by wisdom.
Akshay Kumar's Balancing Act: TV and Films
This television venture comes at a time when Akshay Kumar is actively balancing his film commitments. The year 2025 saw a mixed performance for his films at the box office. While Kesari Chapter 2 had a decent run, others like Kannappa, Housefull 5, Sky Force, and Jolly LLB 3 did not meet expected benchmarks.
Looking ahead, the actor has a packed slate of films in the pipeline. Audiences can expect to see him in projects like Bhoot Bangla, Haiwaan, Welcome to the Jungle, and the highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3. His return to television with a popular game show format is seen as a strategic move to reconnect with a broader audience base while continuing his cinematic journey.
The combination of a global hit format like Wheel of Fortune and the mass appeal of Akshay Kumar promises to create a fresh wave of entertainment for Indian viewers in 2026.
