Akshay Kumar Reveals Chunky Panday Is His Acting Guru 

Akshay Kumar credits Chunky Panday as his first teacher during a Wheel of Fortune episode.

Akshay Kumar’s Debt to Aakhri Pasta

When you think of Akshay Kumar’s acting influences, you likely imagine martial arts masters in Bangkok or the stoic intensity of 70s action stars. You probably don’t imagine Chunky Panday.

Yet, in a revelation that caught fans and audiences off guard during a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune, the “Khiladi” of Bollywood bowed to a different master.

Akshay Kumar has officially named Chunky Panday as his “Guru.” In a heartfelt trip down memory lane, the superstar revealed that long before he was jumping off buildings or winning National Awards, he was a student in an acting class where Panday was the senior authority.

“Chunky is my teacher,” Akshay admitted, crediting the veteran actor for his earliest formative lessons in the craft.

The School of Amitabh Bachchan 

The training wasn’t just about theory; it was about the greats. Akshay recalled hours spent recreating iconic scenes from the legendary Amitabh Bachchan under Panday’s watchful eye. In those early days, the two would dissect the Big B’s mannerisms, dialogue delivery, and screen presence.

Chunky, never one to miss a beat, added his signature wit to the revelation. He jokingly claimed full credit not just for Akshay’s dramatic chops but for his rhythm on the dance floor too.

“Acting also I taught him, dancing also I taught him,” Panday quipped, before adding with a wink, “and to this day, I haven’t even received my Guru Dakshina (teacher’s fee)!”

The Grover Critique 

The banter reached a fever pitch when the “Bad Man” of Bollywood, Gulshan Grover, joined in. Grover, who accompanied Panday on the show, offered a backhanded compliment that perfectly summed up Akshay’s journey. “I am really proud of Akshay,” Grover joked.

“He forgot what Chunky taught him and still turned out to be such a fantastic actor!”

While the remark was made in jest, it highlights a deep truth about Akshay’s career: his ability to take a foundation—no matter how unlikely—and evolve it into a unique, multi-decade brand.

The synergy between the two is most visible in the Housefull franchise, where Akshay plays the straight-man lead to Panday’s chaotic “Aakhri Pasta.” Their real-life mentor-student history adds a layer of unspoken chemistry to their comedic timing.

The Root of Comic Timing 

Most critics argue that Akshay Kumar’s comedy is an inherent gift. However, this revelation suggests something more tactical.

• Learning from the ‘Secondary’ Lead: People often overlook actors like Chunky Panday because they play supporting roles. But Akshay’s acknowledgment proves that the “supporting” cast often holds the technical keys to the industry.
• The Power of Imitation: We are taught that “copying” is bad. But by mimicking Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay and Chunky were actually learning the rhythm and resonance required for the Indian silver screen.
• Unlearning as Growth: As Gulshan Grover pointed out, the mark of a great student is knowing which lessons to keep and which to “forget” to find their own original style.

The Enduring Bond 

Beyond the laughs and the “Guru Dakshina” jokes, the episode highlighted the deep-seated camaraderie that exists behind the silver screen.

Akshay Kumar hosting Wheel of Fortune provided the perfect stage for this history lesson, reminding us that every superstar started as a student, nervously recreating scenes in a cramped classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Akshay Kumar credits Chunky Panday as his first acting mentor.
• The duo used to practice by recreating Amitabh Bachchan scenes in acting school.
• Chunky Panday jokingly claims credit for Akshay’s dancing skills as well.
• Gulshan Grover joined the banter, praising Akshay for evolving beyond his early lessons.
• The two have shared significant screen space in the hit Housefull series.