Chunky Panday, born Suyash Panday on September 26, 1962, is an Indian actor known for his work in Bollywood films. He gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Tezaab” (1988) and “Aankhen” (1993). Despite a brief decline in his career, he found renewed success with supporting roles and comedic characters in movies such as “Housefull” (2010). Panday has also acted in Bangladeshi cinema, where he has a significant following. Married to Bhavana Panday, he has two daughters, including actress Ananya Panday. His enduring versatility has kept him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
Worked as an acting instructor, mentoring many junior artists such as Akshay Kumar.
1987–1993
Debut and Early Success:
– Debuted in 1987 with “Aag Hi Aag” opposite Neelam Kothari.
– Pahlaj Nihalani signed him for “Aag Hi Aag” and “Paap Ki Duniya.”
– Appeared in many multi-hero films during this period.
– Notable film: “Tezaab” (1988) as Babban, for which he was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
– Other notable films: “Paap Ki Duniya,” “Khatron Ke Khiladi,” “Ghar Ka Chiraag,” “Nakabandi,” “Zahreelay,” “Rupaye Dus Karod,” “Vishwatma,” “Lootere,” and “Aankhen.”
– Solo hit: “Parda Hai Parda” (1992).
1994–2003
Career Slump and Hiatus:
– Faced competition from new actors like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Ajay Devgan.
– Struggled to find roles, often cast in supporting roles to senior actors.
– Moved to Bangladeshi cinema, where he acted as the lead hero in six successful films between 1995 and 1997.
– Received minimal work in Bollywood, appearing in low-budget films like “Tirchhi Topiwale,” “Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan,” “Kaun Rokega Mujhe,” and “Jwalamukhi.”
2003–Present
Return to Bollywood:
– Returned in 2003 with minor supporting roles in “Qayamat: City Under Threat,” “Elaan,” “Don: The Chase Begins Again,” “Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost,” and “Apna Sapna Money Money.”
– Played an underworld gangster in “D – Underworld Badshah” (2005) and starred in “Darwaaza Bandh Rakho.”
– Gained popularity with the comic role of Indo-Italian “Aakhiri Pasta” in “Housefull” (2010) and its sequels “Housefull 2” (2012), “Housefull 3” (2016), and “Housefull 4” (2019).
– Prefers not to play hero roles nowadays, enjoying the freedom and fun of playing interesting characters.
– Although known for comic roles, he is open to diverse roles and hopes to be cast in different types of characters in the future.
