TV’s new big daddy: Akshay Kumar

Returns as TV show host, this time in a desi version of Fear Factor, to be paid Rs 1.5 crore per episode, surpassing SRK and the Big B.

When several leading B-Town stars are hobnobbing with the small screen as anchors, can the Khiladi Kumar, currently riding high, be left behind?

Akshay Kumar will anchor a reality show on the soon-to-be launched Hindi entertain- ment channel from Viacom 18. The channel, yet un-named, is slated to go on air in the next few months. It is learnt that the actor is being paid a whopping Rs 1.5 crore per episode for it.

Akki will host a desi version of Fear Factor with Bollywood actresses as participants. This show will enable him to pursue his passion for action as well the Khiladi will be doing his own bit of stunts as well before he goads the contestants to overcome their fears.

This is, however, not the first time that Akshay will be seen in a television show. Four years ago he had hosted a martial arts show Seven Deadly Arts for National Geographic. The seven-part series took viewers on a journey through the world of martial arts.

Says a source, “Akshay has already confirmed that he will host it. He found the show’s profile just right for his image. As he is currently the highest paid star, he is also getting a fee to match his screen stature making him the highest paid television anchor as well.”

Buzz is that Shah Rukh Khan is being paid Rs 75 lakh per episode for his soon-to-be-launched Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai? on Star Plus. Amitabh Bachchan used to fetch Rs 50 lakh per episode for Kaun Banega Crorepati?

Viacom, a part of Paramount Pictures, has tied up with Network 18 for a joint venture called Viacom 18. The names behind the new initiative are Raghav Behl and Harish Chawla.

Adds the source, “Everything is being kept under wraps, so no one wants to make any statement at this juncture about the show, which will be their biggest draw.”

Shaheen Parkar, Mid-Day