Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is set to return to television with a culinary show called 'Amul MasterChef India'.

Akshay's love for cooking is well-known and now the actor is all set to host and judge 'Amul MasterChef India' that will be aired on Star Plus starting Oct 16.

'I am very happy to be returning to my roots after so many years. My two favourites - cooking and camera/entertainment are coming together and I am excited to be a part of it.

'I have been following the international version of MasterChef regularly and I am glad that now this interesting challenge will be open to the Indian audience,' the actor told reporters here.

The show that will have 12 contestants, will give a chance to passionate cooks to showcase their skills and will also groom them to become the ultimate professionals of the art. Chefs Kunal Kapoor and Ajay Chopra will judge the contestants along with Akshay.

When asked, what is it that he likes to cook, the actor revealed: 'I don't cook very often now. It's only when I want to relax and rejuvenate myself, that I cook. I like cooking different types of paranthas.'

Akshay used to work as a chef in Thailand before he got into Bollywood.

'I had gone to Thailand to train myself in martial arts. That time cooking was the only job available so I did that. Then I started enjoying it. I used to find it quite easy and interesting,' he said.

In the past, Akshay hosted the reality show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'.