Akshay Kumar set to host Indian Wheel of Fortune in major TV comeback

The Indian format rights for the international reality game show Wheel of Fortune have been acquired by Sony Entertainment Television, making it one of the biggest Indian television acquisitions of the year. The network has added Bollywood star Akshay Kumar to its non-fiction roster with his signing as host of the upcoming adaptation.

Strategic expansion of Sony's game show portfolio

As per a report in the Hindustan Times, the idea is a giant step forward for Sony's game show portfolio, which has been strong for more than 25 years thanks to Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Experts in the field see Wheel of Fortune as an attempt to offer a more dynamic, high-energy alternative to the Indian market, in contrast to KBC, which was led by Amitabh Bachchan and has a long history of providing knowledge-based family entertainment.

A "desi reboot" will be implemented to bring the show into line with local tastes in India, according to insiders in the business. There will be occasional celebrity special episodes, content that features Hindi and regional language variations, references to Indian culture, and word-based puzzles, but the main mechanics, the iconic enormous spinning wheel, will stay the same.

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Production timeline

The planned start of production is in the middle of January 2026. A larger-than-life set design with immersive sound and lighting would supposedly be part of the network's investment in high production quality, evoking memories of the original American format that has been adapted in more than 60 nations since its debut in the 1970s.

The casting of Akshay was reportedly a calculated move to appeal to both urban metros and small-town audiences. Because of the "instant gratification" aspect of the show, the producers felt that the star's public persona—characterised by vivacity and friendliness—was a good fit.

Return of Akshay Kumar to TV

"A show like Wheel of Fortune needs a host who feels approachable and energetic," said a source close to the production. After appearing on shows like MasterChef India and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, Akshay is making a triumphant comeback to presenting on mainstream television with this initiative.

Sony intends to release it on its two platforms simultaneously to increase its viewership. Sony Entertainment Television will screen the show at prime time, and the OTT platform SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium) will allow viewers to watch it at the same time. This distribution approach targets both traditional television viewers and the ever-expanding digital audience.

Focusing on diverse backgrounds

The makers anticipate that the show, with its "emotional core" that highlights the experiences of ordinary people, will showcase candidates from diverse backgrounds. The network hopes that the show will become a regular in the 2026 broadcast schedule.

Wheel of Fortune India FAQs:

Q: Is Wheel of Fortune coming to India?

A: Yes, Sony Entertainment Television has officially acquired the Indian rights for the legendary global game show Wheel of Fortune.

Q: Who is the host of Wheel of Fortune India?

A: Akshay Kumar has been roped in as the host for the Indian reboot of Wheel of Fortune. This marks the actor's major return to television hosting, following his previous stints on shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi and MasterChef India.

Q: When will the Indian version of Wheel of Fortune start?

A: The shoot for Wheel of Fortune India is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026.