From Bollywood’s golden era to the OTT age: Chunky Panday’s ever-evolving story
On September 26, 2025, Chunky Panday celebrates his 63rd birthday. His journey
in Indian cinema spans over three decades, encompassing the highs of early fame, the challenges of career slowdowns, and a successful reinvention in both comedy and digital storytelling. His career is a testament to resilience, versatility, and an unwavering passion for acting.
Early Stardom and First Hits
Born Suyash Sharad Panday in Mumbai in 1962, Chunky made his acting debut with Aag Hi Aag in 1987. His early performances in films like Paap Ki Duniya and Tezaab immediately caught the audience's attention. He was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Tezaab, signaling the promise of a flourishing career. During this time, he was often cast as the charming romantic lead, a young actor with a strong screen presence and an innate ability to connect with viewers. These formative years showcased his natural talent, making him a familiar face in Bollywood households.
The Bangladesh Chapter: Reinventing Himself
The 1990s brought challenges as new actors emerged to dominate Bollywood, and Chunky experienced a slowdown in offers. Instead of giving up, he explored opportunities in Bangladeshi cinema, where he became a celebrated actor. Known affectionately as “the Amitabh Bachchan of Bangladesh,” he proved his adaptability and commitment to his craft. This chapter in his career was more than a matter of professional survival—it was a period of self-discovery. He honed his skills, expanded his reach to new audiences, and learned how to reinvent himself in the face of adversity.
Aakhri Pasta: The Comic Icon
In 2010, Chunky Panday redefined his image with the iconic role of Aakhri Pasta in Housefull. The character’s quirky Italian persona and memorable dialogue, “I’m-a joking!” immediately endeared him to audiences. This role showcased his impeccable comic timing and opened doors to a new generation of fans. He reprised Aakhri Pasta in several sequels, including Housefull 2, Housefull 3, and Housefull 4. The character became synonymous with light-hearted, crowd-pleasing comedy, cementing his place as a beloved comic actor in modern Bollywood.
Exploring Villainous and Serious Roles
Chunky did not want to be confined to comedy alone. He consciously took up serious and villainous roles in films like Begum Jaan, Prassthanam, Saaho, and Sardar. In Begum Jaan, he played a ruthless landlord, delivering an intense and commanding performance. His role in Sardar marked his entry into regional cinema, where he confidently portrayed the antagonist’s complexity. These choices reflected his desire to explore different facets of human emotion, showing audiences that he could balance both humor and gravitas.
Embracing OTT: A New Frontier
As digital platforms gained popularity, Chunky adapted seamlessly to them. He starred in web series such as Pop Kaun?, Industry, and Griha Laxmi. In Griha Laxmi, he portrayed Kareem Kazi, a formidable antagonist, demonstrating his ability to create layered, compelling characters for the screen. His OTT work allowed him to reach audiences beyond traditional cinema, proving his versatility in storytelling and his willingness to experiment with new formats.
Legacy and Personal Life
Beyond his career, Chunky Panday is a family man, married to Bhavana Pandey since 1998 and father to actress Ananya Panday. His grounded nature, resilience, and enduring passion for acting make him a respected figure in the industry. He has faced criticism, trolling, and professional setbacks, yet his commitment to his craft remains unwavering. His journey is not just about films—it is a story of personal growth, perseverance, and staying true to oneself.
