When Chunky Panday made his mark in 1987 with his debut in Aag Hi Aag, he swiftly became a sensation in Bollywood, with that year featuring a string of hit films. However, as fresh faces like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ajay Devgn emerged, Chunky felt his career starting to “fade out.” Opening up about his journey, he candidly expressed how lost he felt amidst the rising stars taking center stage.
In a recent interview with SCREEN, Chunky reflected on the challenges he faced early in his career, recalling the many rejections and unsuccessful auditions for both television and film. He recounted an experience with a renowned producer-director known for romantic films, where he showed up after a workout in a tank top, only to be dismissed and told he wasn’t suited for the project. Despite such setbacks, his persistence paid off when he finally landed his first film, a breakthrough he humorously noted happened in the restroom of a five-star hotel after three years of trying.
As the actor anticipates the release of his upcoming film Vijay 69, he reflects on his swift rise to fame followed by a downturn in his career. By the mid-90s, Bollywood stars had carved out their own unique identities: Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Sunny Deol became synonymous with action films; Shah Rukh Khan embodied romance; Aamir Khan was celebrated for his poignant dramas, while Salman Khan struck box office gold with director Sooraj Barjatya.
Panday reflected on his struggle to establish himself during the fiercely competitive 90s, noting how overwhelming it was to enter the industry as new stars emerged. He joined the scene in 1987, shortly after Govinda burst onto the scene in 1986, with Aamir and Salman making their debuts soon after in 1988 and 1989, respectively, followed by Ajay Devgn in 1990. Despite enjoying a remarkable year in 1988, he candidly admitted that he soon felt overshadowed by the rising superstars, leading to a decline in his own career.
Chunky Acknowledging the importance of luck in his career, Chunky Panday noted that if he had the chance to relive his life, he would embrace the same journey, ups and downs included. He shared that he appreciates the value of experiencing lows, as they offer a unique freedom—without the pressure of being in the spotlight or facing judgment, allowing one to explore without constraints.
He cknowledged that the direction of his career was shaped by his own decisions, recognizing that the influx of new talent made it challenging to stand out. He reflected on how he was eager to work and willing to take on any opportunity to earn a living, which ultimately blurred his focus. As a result, he felt it was difficult to navigate his career effectively, leading to shifting priorities that didn’t align with a clear path.
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