Chunky Panday on His Career: "I Got Lost After Aamir, Salman, Ajay Arrived"

Actor Chunky Panday, who made a memorable debut in 1987, quickly became a Bollywood sensation with hits like Aag Hi Aag, produced by Pahlaj Nihalani. However, as the industry welcomed new stars like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ajay Devgn, Panday found himself struggling to stay in the limelight. Looking back, he admits feeling "lost" when the new wave of actors redefined Bollywood.

Chunky Panday’s Early Struggles and Breakthrough Moment

Chunky Panday recently opened up about his early struggles in Bollywood, which included a series of rejections and unsuccessful auditions. In an interview, he shared an amusing memory about his first film audition. After visiting a renowned producer’s office in a tank top, fresh from a workout, he was told, “I am not making Tarzan; you can go to B Subhash’s office.” Such dismissals became common, but Panday’s persistence eventually paid off.

He shared the surprising story of how he landed his first role in the bathroom of a five-star hotel. After three years of chasing his dream, his dedication and resilience finally caught someone’s attention. "I had tried everything, and then it happened in the most unexpected place," he recalled with a laugh.

By the mid-90s, Bollywood was seeing a shift. Actors like Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Sunny Deol took the lead in action films, while Shah Rukh Khan captured hearts as the ultimate romantic hero. Aamir Khan was breaking ground with socially conscious dramas, and Salman Khan had struck gold with director Sooraj Barjatya, delivering family-friendly blockbusters.

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In this changing landscape, Chunky Panday’s popularity began to wane. Reflecting on this period, he acknowledged that each actor found their niche, leaving little space for him to continue in the same roles he had once played. “It was like watching everyone find their spot, and I was left searching for mine,” Panday shared. The transition was challenging, especially after such a promising start.

Looking Forward to New Ventures with Vijay 69

Despite the ups and downs, Chunky Panday remains active in Bollywood. He is now gearing up for the release of Vijay 69, a Netflix film featuring Anupam Kher in the lead role. The project has reignited Panday’s passion for acting, reminding him of his love for cinema. “It’s refreshing to be part of new stories and perspectives,” he said, excited about this next chapter.