Veteran Bollywood actor Chunky Panday, known for his charismatic presence and decades-long career, recently gave an insightful interview to Curly Tales, revealing personal anecdotes and rare insights into his journey in the film industry. At 62, the actor, married to Bhavana Panday and father to Ananya and Rysa Panday, shared his experiences navigating the highs and lows of fame, shedding light on his evolution as an artist.
Chunky Panday made his Bollywood debut in 1987, just a year after Govinda’s rise to fame. Initially, his career took off with great momentum, but this success was short-lived. The actor vividly recalls how the entrance of stars like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan in the late 80s and early 90s changed the landscape of the industry. “In 1988, 89, and 90, we had Aamir, Salman, and Shah Rukh making their debuts. Subsequently, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar also emerged,” he explained. “So, my honeymoon phase lasted just one year.” Chunky reminisces about his early days in multi-starrer films, where his place in the industry was uncertain as new faces began to dominate.
A pivotal moment came during a wedding when a young boy asked if Chunky was a ‘real hero.’ This encounter served as a wake-up call for the actor. “I told him to ask his mother about me. But then I realised I had to win that kid’s heart with my films,” he recalled. This moment led to his decision to target a younger audience, which led to roles in films like Housefull. His shift in focus revealed his desire to expand his appeal and re-establish his relevance in the industry.
In the interview, Chunky candidly discussed how he could have made different career choices. Reflecting on the rapid rise of his contemporaries, he admitted, “I hadn’t seen so much money. And those were the times when you used to showboat about the number of films you were working on.” His openness highlighted the importance of strategic planning and the lessons learned from navigating the ever-changing film industry.
The actor also recounted a particularly challenging time in his life, specifically 1996, when financial difficulties hit hard due to a failed real estate investment. He shared a poignant memory of struggling to afford even the alcohol for a party he had organized. Despite these setbacks, Chunky Panday’s resilience shone through, and he pushed forward, eventually making a comeback in films.
Now, after his role in Vijay 69 directed by Anupam Kher, Chunky Panday is preparing for his appearance in Housefull 5, continuing his journey in an industry he has been a part of for over three decades. His story serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, reinvention, and the importance of staying true to one’s purpose in the face of adversity.
