Wheel of Fortune is coming to India, and Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar will take on the hosting duties of the Indian adaptation. The Indian version is expected to be mounted on a grand scale with high
production values, big-ticket prizes and mass appeal. The show is slated to go on floors by mid-January.
Akshay Kumar said, “Wheel of Fortune has been a beloved show for millions around the world, and I’m truly excited to bring its Indian edition to audiences here. Its multi-generational appeal and the thrill of puzzle-solving have made it a global favourite, and I’m confident it will be immensely enjoyed by Indian audiences. With the combined reach of Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, Wheel of Fortune India will engage viewers across platforms like never before.”
Insiders previously suggested that Sony was keen on a pan-India superstar who connects equally with metro audiences and viewers in smaller towns. Akshay Kumar reportedly emerged as the top choice, given his wide appeal, quick wit and approachable on-screen persona.
First launched in the US in the 1970s, Wheel of Fortune has been adapted in over 60 countries and remains one of the most recognisable TV formats globally. Sony plans to retain the core structure of the show while infusing it with Indian elements, including Hindi and regional phrases, cultural references and celebrity specials.
Nachiket Pantvaidya, Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television, said, “Sony Entertainment Television has long pioneered the reality format space in India, consistently introducing globally successful IPs that engage audiences at scale. With Wheel of Fortune, we’re adding another marquee global franchise to the portfolio, bringing high-energy entertainment to Indian homes. Anchored in our strategy across Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, the show promises to create a powerful brand-building and engagement platform, offering advertisers unparalleled reach and impact across television and digital.”
The Indian edition is expected to feature a visually spectacular set with a larger-than-life spinning wheel, vibrant lighting and immersive sound design. Prize money, sponsor tie-ins and festive episodes are also likely to be key attractions. Like other successful Indian game shows, Wheel of Fortune India will focus on everyday Indians and their stories, keeping an emotional connection at its core.
