Akshay Kumar on hosting Wheel of Fortune: 'Always believed in saying yes to something that feels new'
Akshay Kumar hosts Wheel of Fortune India on Sony. Swapping stunts for strategy, the show blends luck and edutainment, using high-tech puzzles and celeb guests to engage family audiences.
Last Updated: 10.59 AM, Jan 28, 2026
Akshay Kumar has made a spectacular return to television, replacing the high-octane antics of Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi with the strategic suspense of word puzzles. Wheel of Fortune had its Indian debut on January 27, 2026, airing on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium).
Why did Akshay Kumar choose to host Wheel of Fortune?
The original American model has been on television since 1975, but Kumar wanted new challenges, not the show's legacy; thus, he decided to head the Indian edition. The actor, discussing his shift to a puzzle-based style, stressed that the game's inherent randomness was its main selling point.
He told Mid Day, "I’ve always believed in saying yes to something that feels new. The format instantly intrigued me. What I enjoy about the game is that it keeps you guessing until the very end. At any moment, fortunes can change — you can move from a small amount to a jackpot or lose it all if you’re not fully present."
What is the game structure?
Three contestants compete in four rounds of the show's structured format. Word puzzles and a big carnival-style wheel determine a participant's potential earnings—or losses—as they spin for cash and prizes. A parallel for success and failure in the actual world, according to Kumar, is the wheel's mechanics.
The star added, "The wheel doesn’t just test your luck; it tests your awareness, thinking, and presence of mind. The idea that one wrong moment can wipe out everything you have won so far makes it real. It reflects life — fortune comes to everyone, but only those who stay alert can hold on to it. The show already has a strong global appeal, and bringing its Indian edition feels exciting."
Which celebrity guests brought a comic touch to Wheel of Fortune premiere?
Despite the serious nature of the game, the first episode welcomed Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh as special guests along with Shreyas Talpade, creating an entertaining tone for the rest of the series. On multiple occasions, Kumar referred to Deshmukh by the strange name "Pinky Kapoor," which made viewers laugh.
The star clarified that the nickname came from an early joke about the show's enormous prize fund when asked where it came from. Kumar revealed, "Riteish and I go back a long way – years of working together. When we were talking about how big the prize money can get, Riteish joked, ‘If you give me that kind of money, I’ll even change my name.’ That’s when I started calling him Pinky Kapoor, and it just stuck."
What is Sony's broader strategy for introducing this global format to India?
Many in the industry saw Sony's introduction of Wheel of Fortune India as an attempt to attract families during prime time. After the smash hit Kaun Banega Crorepati, the network is aiming to further establish itself as the go-to destination for "edutainment" content. The network hopes to attract both younger people and more traditional TV viewers to SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium) by roping in Kumar, a star recognised for his rigorous lifestyle and popular appeal.
Reports indicate that they have upgraded the production to meet global standards, incorporating a high-tech wheel and interactive puzzle boards. Under Kumar's helm, we expect the show's fast-paced plot, centred on the participants' quick thinking and the host's distinctive comic timing, to continue.
Wheel of Fortune FAQs:
Q: When did Wheel of Fortune India premiere?
A: The Indian edition of Wheel of Fortune premiered on January 27, 2026. The show airs on Sony Entertainment Television and is available for streaming on SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium). It typically occupies the prime-time slot on weekdays (Monday to Friday) at 9:00 PM.
Q: Who is the host of the Indian version of Wheel of Fortune?
A: Akshay Kumar is the host of Wheel of Fortune India. This marks his high-stakes return to television, where he swaps his usual action-heavy roles for a format focused on word puzzles and strategic tension.
Q: Where can I watch Wheel of Fortune India online?
A: You can stream Wheel of Fortune India on the SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium). The digital platform also features interactive elements like a "Play Along" mode, allowing viewers to solve the same puzzles as the contestants in real-time.