When Ananya Panday said she has inherited being thick skinned from her father Chunky Pandey: 'He cracks a joke on himself'

Chunky Panday is known for many movies in late 1980s with films like ‘Tezaab' and ‘Aankhen’, and has since become a beloved personality in Bollywood. Today, as he celebrates his 62nd birthday, his legacy continues through his daughter, Ananya Panday, who is carving her own path in the film industry.
On his birthday today, here's recalling how recently Ananya spoke about her father’s resilience and humour that have influenced her own approach to life and work.In an interview with THE WEEK’s Salon, she remarked, “I inherited the thick skin from my dad, just taking everything with a smile. He is all heart. And he always cracks the joke on himself first.” This reflection highlights not only Chunky's character but also the lessons Ananya has absorbed from him throughout her life.
The ‘Student of the Year 2’ actress elaborated on her father's unique perspective on challenges: “He is like, 'every Friday is like a cricket match; you either hit a six or you are gonna get out. But there will be another ball after that. He never gives up.'” This illustrates Chunky's enduring spirit in the face of adversity, which has undoubtedly shaped Ananya's own outlook as she navigates the complexities of the entertainment industry.
Chunky Panday has had a diverse career that includes roles in regional films and a successful transition to digital platforms before many of his contemporaries. Ananya noted his adaptability: “He has done films in regional languages, in Bangladesh. He jumped onto the OTT wagon before anyone else did. He has done negative roles, comedy roles, lead roles, smaller roles. But he hasn’t stopped working.” This breadth of experience showcases Chunky's commitment to his craft and his ability to stay relevant across different eras of cinema.
Currently, Chunky is filming Housefull 5 and he recently, shared glimpses from his shoot in France on social media, where he expressed admiration for the historical significance of the location: “The Beaches of Normandy WW2 and The Titanics Final Voyage. So much history to this place 🖤🩶🤍.” His enthusiasm for both acting and history reflects his multifaceted interests.
On the other hand, Ananya is also making significant strides in her career with projects like Call Me Bae, and her upcoming film CTRL.