“You can touch people’s hearts by tickling their tummies” – Akshay Kumar : Bollywood News

After a brief hiatus, Akshay Kumar is all set to resume his television innings with India's first ever celebrity cookery show with a top Bollywood star in it - 'Master Chef India'. Though the man of the moment was an obvious choice for the action packed show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' for its first two seasons, not many would have believed that Akshay would be getting into an altogether different garb by stepping in as a celebrity chef and that too for a reality show that would involve interacting with number of participants.

“You can touch people’s hearts by tickling their tummies” – Akshay Kumar

Now that he is all set to mingle with the 'aam junta' in his new outing, one can't help but ask that what really made him step into something as unique as this which is not really connected to the world of glamour?

"Honestly, I am very excited about this show. Food, like music, cuts across all barriers and everyone loves food. I used to be a chef in Bangkok at one point of time and occasionally whenever I get the time, even now I whip up a dish or two at home. Cooking is a stress buster for me", says Akshay who being a food lover has always advocated a healthy diet.

After having shot for it, Akshay goes on to appreciate the entire structuring, programming and content of this reality show. "A food based reality show at this scale has not been done on Indian television. It is the first of its kind. I have loved every moment of what I have shot. It was a unique experience for sure."

India has been known for its diversity in food and eating habits across its length and breadth. Since the show is expected to bind the country together due to the common interest factor, is Akshay also enthralled with the fact that it gives him an opportunity to reach out to the heartland of India?

"Television is a fantastic medium. Its reach is even deeper and wider than films. It allows me to interact with the people for which we make movies. It is gratifying to meet my audience personally", smiles Akshay, "The kind of love, affection and feedback one gets from them first hand is humbling and soul healing. It is definitely a platform that takes me right into the living rooms of people and their lives. And what better way to touch peoples hearts than by tickling their tummies."