It’s time I played a father, says Chunky

Actor Chunky Panday says he is in the ‘most exciting’ phase of his career, wants to experiment and play characters with an emotional side

In recent years, we have seen him in two kinds of roles — the buffoon or the bad guy, but Chunky Panday wants to change this in 2019. The actor says it will be easier now because Indian cinema has changed drastically. And he is hopeful that he will get the opportunity to explore characters with an emotional side.

“When I joined the film industry, you had to be either the conventional hero or villain. But now, you see so many character-driven films like Badhaai Ho (2018), which is doing ₹100 crore business. It is the golden time for the film industry. I’m glad I’m still around and participating in it,” Chunky shares.

The actor, who has starred in films such as the Housefull franchise, Bullett Raja (2013), and Begum Jaan (2017), says he now wants to experiment with different roles.

“I have done action, comedy, and played a villain. I want to get into the emotional zone as well. That’s one zone I need to tap in. I want to do a great father’s role. It is time I played a father,” adds the actor, whose daughter, Ananya Panday, is set to make her debut in Student of the Year 2.Chunky received rave reviews for his menacing act in Begum Jaan, his last release, and he says it opened doors for him like he had never imagined.

“The coming year will be the Baahubali year for me as I am starring alongside Prabhas (in Saaho) and Rana (Daggubati) in Housefull 4. I also star in Sanjay Dutt’s home production, Prasthanam. I also have a digital show with Shreyas Talpade, a Marathi film as well as a short film,” he reveals.

The 56-year-old actor calls himself “fortunate” to be able to get these amazing acting assignments at this stage of his career. “This is the most exciting time in my career. It is just so adventurous. People are looking at me differently and I am lucky that I have got this chance to show this side of me,” he signs off.

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH Chunky Panday’s upcoming projects include Saaho, Housefull 4, a web show, a short film, and a Marathi film