Actor Akshay Kumar, who makes a comeback to the "Khiladi" franchise with his production "Khiladi 786", says he never really went away from the 'Khiladi' tag.

"I feel great about it. It had never gone away from me, I always used to do risks and it's great because 'Khiladi' is a word which means a player, a sportsman. You can connect it with anything, so it's great coming back to it," the 45-year-old said here.

The 45-year-old's "Khiladi" series has so far included - "Khiladi" (1992), "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" (1994), "Sabse Bada Khiladi" (1995), "Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi" (1996), "Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi" (1997), "International Khiladi" (1999), and "Khiladi 420" (2000).

He also made his TV debut as the host of action-adventure reality show "Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi" in 2009.

About the progress of "Khiladi 786", Akshay said: "I have really enjoyed making that film and I have completed it. It should release on Dec 7."

Directed by Ashish R. Mohan, "Khiladi 786" also stars Asin, Mithun Chakraborty, Himesh Reshammiya and Paresh Rawal.