Bollywood actor Chunky Panday’s career was not a cakewalk as he always strived to reinvent himself in the competitive industry. Even after securing a special place in the hearts of audiences for his ability to handle both comedic and unique roles, the actor recently revealed how he learned new lessons and how relationships contributed to his comeback in the industry.
In an interview with Curly Tales, Chunky reflected on his entry into Bollywood during a fiercely competitive era. He debuted in 1987, just as prominent actors like Govinda, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar were beginning their careers. The actor described his initial success as a brief ‘honeymoon phase’ lasting only a year. He compared his career trajectory to a game of musical chairs, acknowledging that he eventually found himself without a “chair” when the music stopped.
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He further shared a defining moment when a young boy questioned his status as a hero, prompting him to focus on winning over younger audiences. This realisation led him to embrace roles in films like ‘Housefull’, introducing him to a new generation of fans. The ‘Liger’ actor expressed that he has enjoyed his career with no regrets, embracing the challenges and changes along the way.
He admitted to a lack of strategy in his early career choices. He revealed that he was overwhelmed by newfound wealth and focused on quantity over quality, often boasting about the number of films he worked on. In hindsight, he acknowledged that his peers were more discerning in selecting roles and pacing their careers.
Chunky also shared his unexpected rise as a superstar in Bangladesh and the challenges he faced upon returning to Bollywood. He acknowledged that a younger generation was unfamiliar with him, but his wife, Bhavana Panday, who was also present during the conversation, credited his industry relationships for his comeback. She emphasised the importance of kindness and maintaining good relationships, teaching their daughter, Ananya Panday, that these qualities can pave the way for future opportunities. Bhavana noted that Chunky’s second innings in Bollywood was a testament to his niceness and how it earned him a second chance during tough times.
He believes that actors need to be fearless and unselfconscious to rebuild their careers. Bhavana shared that despite financial challenges during his career’s fluctuations, Chunky ensured his family never felt the strain. While acknowledging that others around them were more affluent, she emphasised that their family prioritised happiness and comfort over material comparisons.
Chunky also opened up about a financial crisis he faced in 1996. Some of his money was locked in a real estate deal, and he was throwing a party during that time. “I didn’t even have money to buy alcohol for it. I had to call my friend and ask for help,” he shared. Bhavana added, “It’s a good thing you didn’t have money to buy alcohol.”
