Veteran actor Chunky Panday reportedly lost a major role in the hit film *Tridev* because he haggled over a mere Rs 1-2 lakh, according to director Rajiv Rai, who famously dubbed Panday “kanjoos” (a miser).
The Tridev Tangle
Director Rajiv Rai recently shared details about the casting process for his 1989 blockbuster, *Tridev*. After initial plans with Sanjay Dutt didn’t materialize, Rai considered Chunky Panday for a role.
Rai revealed that he visited Panday’s home numerous times, up to 20-25 times, trying to finalize the deal. However, the negotiations stalled over a small sum of Rs 1-2 lakh. Rai eventually decided to move on, citing Panday’s insistence on a higher fee.
A “Kanjoos” Reputation?
During the interview, Rajiv Rai openly called Chunky Panday “kanjoos” and money-minded. Despite this financial disagreement for *Tridev*, Rai clarified that he held no grudges and even worked with Panday again in the film *Vishwatma*.
Rai recounted a humorous incident from the *Vishwatma* set that further highlighted Panday’s thrifty nature. He observed that Chunky would only ever carry a single cigarette with him. When asked why, Panday admitted it was a tactic to prevent others from asking him for one.
Panday is known for his ability to joke about himself, and this anecdote served as another example of his self-deprecating humor. Rai suggested that perhaps Panday’s star status at the time contributed to his firm stance on the remuneration for *Tridev*.
Panday’s Enduring Career and Family Legacy
Chunky Panday has often spoken about the ups and downs of his career in Bollywood. Despite missing out on *Tridev*, he has maintained a consistent presence in the industry over the decades, appearing in numerous films, often in comedic or supporting roles.
On the work front, Chunky Panday was recently seen in *Housefull 5* and is slated to appear in *Son Of Sardaar 2*. His family also continues to make waves in the film world.
His daughter, Ananya Panday, has become a well-established actress in recent years. Furthermore, his nephew, Ahaan Panday, recently made his Bollywood debut with *Saiyaara*, which has reportedly been performing well at the box office.
- Chunky Panday missed out on a role in *Tridev* due to a financial dispute over Rs 1-2 lakh.
- Director Rajiv Rai labeled Panday “kanjoos” (miser) due to his haggling.
- Despite the *Tridev* issue, Rai later cast Panday in *Vishwatma*.
- An anecdote revealed Panday’s tactic of carrying only one cigarette to avoid sharing.
- Chunky Panday’s daughter, Ananya Panday, and nephew, Ahaan Panday, are also prominent figures in Bollywood.
This insight from Rajiv Rai sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Bollywood casting and Chunky Panday’s enduring, unique personality in the industry.
Director Rajiv Rai recently revealed that actor Chunky Panday lost out on a role in the blockbuster film *Tridev* due to a minor financial disagreement, leading Rai to jokingly label Panday a “kanjoos” or miser.
The Tridev Tangle
According to filmmaker Rajiv Rai, Chunky Panday was a strong contender for a role in his 1989 hit, *Tridev*. This came after plans to cast Sanjay Dutt didn’t work out.
Rai shared that he made numerous trips to Panday’s residence, visiting him an estimated 20 to 25 times to discuss the project. However, negotiations stalled over a relatively small sum, reportedly just Rs 1-2 lakh.
Despite Panday’s desire to be part of the film, Rai eventually decided to move on, unwilling to continue the prolonged haggling over money.
A “Kanjoos” Reputation?
In a candid interview, Rajiv Rai didn’t shy away from calling Chunky Panday “kanjoos” and money-minded. Yet, he clarified there were no hard feelings, as evidenced by their later collaboration on the film *Vishwatma*.
Rai also recounted a humorous anecdote from the sets of *Vishwatma*. He noticed that Chunky would always carry only one cigarette. When asked about it, Panday quipped that it was a deliberate strategy to prevent anyone from asking him for a cigarette, confirming his frugal nature.
Panday is well-known for his ability to poke fun at himself, and this story aligns with his often self-deprecating humor. Rai suggested that Panday’s status as a star at that time might have influenced his firm stance on remuneration.
Panday’s Enduring Career and Family Legacy
Chunky Panday has openly discussed the ups and downs of his career in the film industry. Despite missing out on *Tridev*, he has built a memorable career, particularly noted for his comedic timing and distinctive roles.
Recently, Panday was seen in *Housefull 5* and is set to appear in *Son Of Sardaar 2*. The Panday family’s connection to Bollywood remains strong and continues to grow.
His daughter, Ananya Panday, has established herself as a popular actress in recent years. Additionally, his nephew, Ahaan Panday, recently made his successful Bollywood debut with the film *Saiyaara*.
- Chunky Panday’s negotiation over Rs 1-2 lakh led to him losing a role in *Tridev*.
- Director Rajiv Rai playfully described Panday as “kanjoos” or miserly.
- Despite the *Tridev* setback, Panday and Rai later collaborated on *Vishwatma*.
- A humorous anecdote revealed Panday’s method of carrying only one cigarette to avoid sharing.
- Chunky’s daughter Ananya and nephew Ahaan are also active and successful in the film industry.
This candid recollection from Rajiv Rai provides a fascinating glimpse into the human side of Bollywood’s business dealings and Chunky Panday’s unique personality.
