Akshay Kumar Uses Wheel of Fortune Spotlight to Highlight the Thankless Reality of India’s Police force

On the latest episode of Wheel of Fortune, host Akshay Kumar briefly set aside the format of the game to speak about the strain under which India’s police force operates, drawing attention of the masses to a reality that is never acknowledged in everyday public life.

Speaking directly to contestants and viewers, Akshay said, “The job of a police officer is a very thankless job. The number of police officers in India is not much. According to my research, There is only one police officer for every 830 people. So you can imagine how much work these people have to do. When we celebrate Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, when we celebrate so many festivals, we have a holiday, be it Republic Day or Independence Day, they have to make arrangements for us. The family wants them to come home, but they have to work. So next time, whenever you see a police officer, an army officer, or any person who is wearing a uniform, do salute them.”

Delivered on a mainstream entertainment platform, his words cut through the casual apathy and drove home the point about constant, unseen labour by those in uniform.

By calling policing a “thankless job,” Akshay articulated that recognition for the cops is largely reactive, surfacing only in crisis. He was urging ordinary citizens to acknowledge the unseen work of the people maintaining public order when the rest of society switches off.

Ever since Akshay started the show, he has been sneaking in crucial statements and placing them squarely in the middle of a prime-time show, reaching audiences who may never engage with policy debates or editorials, even news.

For a few minutes on Wheel of Fortune, the spotlight shifted from prizes and puzzles to the people who keep the country running while others celebrate. And that landed with force!