Ahaan Pandey’s father Chunky Panday reveals how an unexpected flight trouble led him to become ‘Amitabh Bachchan of Bangladesh’

In a recent episode of the famous chat show Two Much hosted by Twinkle Khanna and Kajol, actor Chunky Panday opened up about a surprising development in his career and revealed how he became the ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ of Bangladesh. Known for his memorable supporting roles in Bollywood, Chunky talked about how he earned the title of “Amitabh Bachchan of Bangladesh” through his circuitous route into the Bangladeshi film industry.

Speaking candidly in the program, Chunky explained that Bollywood did not always offer him the leading roles he desired. “I couldn’t get romantic or action hero roles,” he said, “and I had to play the hero’s friend in a lot of movies.” Although his early hits like Tezaab brought him recognition, typical roles soon limited his chances of growing as a leading actor.

‘Amitabh of Bangladesh’
During this time of disappointment, Chunky’s journey took an unexpected turn. “I was on a flight to Hong Kong, but due to engine failure we had to make an emergency stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh,” he explained with a smile. There he met a local filmmaker who offered him a role in a Bangladeshi film. What started as a chance encounter soon transformed Chunky’s career.
Bangladeshi audiences embraced it wholeheartedly. Movies like Swami Keno Asami, Besh Korechi Prem Korechi and Meyera A Manush became huge hits and Chunky found himself at the center of it all. His style and screen presence reminded many of Bollywood’s legendary Amitabh Bachchan, earning him the affectionate nickname “Bangladeshi Amitabh Bachchan”.

The unexpected encounter that changed Chunky’s life
Chunky shared the pivotal moment that jump-started his career. “I came across Pahlaj Nihalani in the bathroom. That’s where my career started! There was no social media then, so I didn’t know who he was. We were both in the bathroom and my rope got stuck. He helped me open it,” Chunky explained. He then asked Nihalani what he did for a living and when Nihalani introduced himself as a producer, Chunky introduced himself and expressed his desire to act in films. Nihalani invited him to his house the next day and the very next day Chunky took over the role.

Career beginnings and family legacy
Chunky Panday made his acting debut in 1987 with the movie Aag Hi Aag. Following his stint in Bangladesh, Chunky returned to Bollywood in the early 2000s with films such as Qayamat and continued to find success in comedy roles, particularly in Housefull and Paying Guest. He became more widely known for his role as Babban in Tezaab. Today, their daughters Ananya Panday and Ahaan Pandey continue the family’s cinema journey as actors of the industry.