Akshay Kumar steps in Padmalakshmi's shoes

By Sonal Chawla/TNN

After hosting Khatron Ke Khiladi , Akshay Kumar is ready to return back to his first love through a new television show. The chef-turned-actor will host his next reality show, which is on the lines of the American competition show Top Chef. 

A source reveals, “Akshay was the face of Khatron Ke Khiladi . But then, suddenly one heard that Priyanka Chopra will be hosting the third season of Khatron Ke Khiladi . In fact, there were rumours that Akshay had suggested her name. After Priyanka replaced him in the third season of the adventure reality show, Akshay had announced that he would be back on television and that he was considering several ideas. Buzz was that the actor was keen to turn producer with his next TV show.” 

“The actor has finalised on the idea of hosting Top Chef . Talks are on with a production house and things are slowly but surely getting finalised. Akshay is currently working out the show details including the changes they need to make in the show format so that the new version suits Indian sensibilities,” adds the source. 

Akshay immediately agreed to host this show as it’s a fresh format quite unlike the various dance and music reality shows on television. Contrary to the tough image he is associated with, Akshay will project a far more interactive and friendly image in the new show. According to the show format, there will be a panel of judges, which might include some actors and also professional chefs, and participants from all across the country. 

Akshay is currently shooting for Anees Bazmee’s Thank You in Canada. “The show should start by August first week by when Akshay is expected to work out his dates,” adds the source. 

The channel neither confirmed nor denied the news. Akshay Kumar was unavailable for comment. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

Top Chef is an American reality competition show, which started in 2006. The show has chefs competing against each other after which they are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notable people from the food and wine industry. The American version is currently in its seventh season with hosts Katie Lee Joel and Padma Lakshmi. So far there have been 61 guest judges on the show. Of these, 20 have won the Food and Wine Best New Chef Award.