Akshay Kumar To Host Wheel Of Fortune India As Sony Secures Global Format

Sony Entertainment Television has announced a landmark acquisition, bringing the globally popular game show Wheel of Fortune to Indian audiences. The channel has roped in Akshay Kumar as the host, marking his high-profile return to television. This move is seen as a strategic expansion of Sony’s game show legacy, which has long been dominated by Kaun Banega Crorepati.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Akshay Kumar will anchor the Indian adaptation of Wheel of Fortune, adding star power and mass appeal.  
• Sony Entertainment Television has acquired the rights to the format, considered one of the longest-running and most successful game shows worldwide.  
• The Indian version will retain the iconic spinning wheel and puzzle-solving mechanics while incorporating local flavor.  
• Production is set to begin in mid-January 2026, with a grand set design featuring immersive sound and lighting.  
• The show will air on television and Sony’s digital platforms, ensuring wide accessibility.  
• Occasional celebrity specials and regional language variations are planned to broaden audience engagement.  
• Industry insiders view the acquisition as one of Sony’s biggest non-fiction deals, signaling a shift toward faster, more energetic formats.  

Akshay Kumar’s return to television is expected to attract both urban and small-town audiences, given his wide popularity and prior hosting experience on shows like MasterChef India and Khatron Ke Khiladi. The adaptation aims to blend global entertainment standards with Indian cultural sensibilities, offering family-friendly content with high stakes and big rewards.  

Industry experts believe Wheel of Fortune India could redefine prime-time viewing habits, much like Kaun Banega Crorepati did decades ago. With Sony investing heavily in production quality and format localization, the show is poised to become a major entertainment event in 2026.  

Sources: Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times, NewsBytes, India Today