Akshay Kumar, the beloved Bollywood actor, is set to host the Hindi version of the international game show, Wheel of Fortune. The show's premiere on January 27th on Sony Entertainment Television will feature a special guest appearance by none other than Karisma Kapoor, a legendary actress from the 90s and early 2000s. In a heartwarming promo shared on Instagram, Akshay and Karisma, who have starred in several films together, engage in playful banter that will bring back fond memories for many. But here's where it gets controversial...
The clip begins with Karisma attempting the word puzzle game, quipping, "Yeh game main try karti hu, par bas aapke saath mai maze karne aai hu." Akshay, quick-witted as ever, responds with a laugh, "Mere saath pehle kam maze kiye the aapne jo aaj maze lene aai hain?" The fun doesn't stop there. Akshay, in a nostalgic mood, turns to the audience and shares, "Jaise aap sab jaante hain maine pehle bhi kaha tha yeh meri pehli heroine hain." This statement, while heartfelt, could spark differing opinions. After all, in the world of Bollywood, the term 'heroine' has often been used in a way that may not be inclusive to all.
As Karisma sweetly replies, "Thank you," the song Deedar Ho Gaya, Mujhko Pyaar Gaya from their 1992 film Deedar plays in the background. This song, a timeless classic, is a nod to their on-screen chemistry that captivated audiences in the 90s and early 2000s. The duo, apart from Deedar, shared the screen in many films like Suhaag (1994), Khuddar (1994), Dulaara (1994), Jawab (1995), Jaanwar (1999), and Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love (2001).
Wheel of Fortune, the show, follows a simple yet exciting word-puzzle format. Contestants are given hidden words or phrases and must guess the correct letters to solve them. A large spinning wheel, divided into cash values and special wedges, determines the value of each correct letter. Players take turns spinning the wheel, guessing letters, and gradually uncovering the puzzle. The contestant who cracks the puzzle and scores the highest walks away with the cash prize. The show will air on Sony Entertainment Television from Monday to Friday at 9 pm, and viewers can also stream the episodes on Sony LIV.
