Chunky Panday opened up on how he got his quirky name and revealed how his director wanted to change it to something more bizarre.
Chunky Panday is one of the most popular faces in the Hindi film industry. He had rocked the 80s and 90s generation of films with his handsome looks and captivating acting skills. More recently, he had also made a special place in the hearts of his fans with the character of Aakhri Pasta in the film, Housefull. Coming to his personal life, Chunky is married to the designer, Bhavana Pandey, and the duo is blessed with two daughters, Ananya and Rysa. For the unversed, Chunky’s elder daughter, Ananya, is one of the most sought after Bollywood actresses of the current generation.
For the unversed, Chunky Panday’s real name is Suyash Panday, and it is used for all the official purposes of the actor. And now, in a recent interview on the show, Khaane Mein Koun Hai, he opened up on how he had landed onto the quirky name ‘Chunky’ from Suyash. He recalled his childhood days and shared how this was the name he was given by his nanny since he was a little chubby kid. In his words:
“All my school friends know me by this name. But when I was nine months old, I was named Chunky, I was a little ‘golu’. My nanny, Heera, actually named me Chunky and it has since then stuck with me.”
Recommended Read: Shahid Kapoor's Kids, Misha And Zain Twin In Co-Ords, Calmly Wait For Their Parents At The Airport
Going further in the interview, Chunky also revealed one of the most hilarious episodes in his life, all courtesy his name. He revealed that back in 1987 when he was offered his first film debut by the popular filmmaker, Pankaj Nihalani, the latter was not pleased with both his names Chunky and Suyash. Interestingly, the filmmaker, who was renowned for having given a changed name to actors like Govinda and so he wanted Chunky to have a name that would be understood by people easily. Moreover, he also recalled how the director had suggested almost bizzare names like Chandramukhi and Chandraatma to him. In his words:
“When I got my film break in 1987 by Pahlaj Nihalani, he didn’t understand my name Chunky, and he didn’t even know Suyash. He would tell me, ye Chunky kitna ajeeb naam hai, chalo tera naam badalte hai, kuch Govinda jaise rakhte hai, Chandramukhi ya Chandraatma jaise kuch. I started to cry but I was like, ok you are giving me a break, you can call me anything, if not Chunky then monkey.’ He then asked his children and they liked Chunky.”
Apart from his fame as an actor, Chunky is a doting family man who bares his heart out on his sleeve for his family. However, he often invests in making some hilarious references and anecdotes about them, which are simply unmissable. For instance, during his stint in one of the episodes of the show, Star vs Food, Chunky made a bone-tickling dig at his wife, Bhavana and daughter, Ananya’s poor cooking skills. In his interaction during the show, Chunky mentioned that bad food making runs in the genes within the ladies of his family and that his daughter has never cooked anything for him except stories.
Check This Out: Malaika Arora Calls Arjun Kapoor Sunshine, Thinker And More, Shares Yet Another Semi-Nude Pic Of Him
Well, beyond his joking side, Chunky is an equally protective father who is very particular about everything concerning his princesses. Proof of the same was found when in an earlier interview with Pinkvilla, Chunky had opened up on the one word of advice he had given to his daughter, Ananya when it comes to relationships and dating men. He mentioned that since he and his wife had brought up their daughters in high standards.Thus he would want his daughters to choose somebody who matches up with that kind of standards and values.
What do you think about Chunky Panday’s revelations?
Next Read: Charu Asopa On Being A Single Mother, Says, 'Sometimes It Is Exhausting And Frustrating'