Bollywood fans were treated to a delightful surprise in the upcoming episode of Wheel of Fortune when Akshay Kumar opened up about an unexpected and heartwarming chapter from his early acting days. Known today as one of Hindi cinema’s most disciplined and versatile stars, Akshay candidly revealed that his very first acting mentor was none other than Chunky Panday — a confession that left everyone on set stunned.
With his trademark honesty, Akshay shared, “Chunky is my teacher,” a statement that instantly sparked disbelief, laughter, and curiosity among those present. Few would have imagined that behind Akshay’s confident screen presence lies a foundation shaped by camaraderie, senior guidance, and a lot of learning through trial and error.
Taking viewers back to those formative years, Akshay recalled attending acting classes where newcomers were trained by senior actors. These sessions were intense, earnest, and full of ambition, with young aspirants reenacting iconic scenes from Amitabh Bachchan films. “We used to perform Amitabh Bachchan scenes, and Chunky sir was our senior there,” Akshay said, fondly remembering a time when dreams were big, opportunities were scarce, and every lesson counted.
The nostalgia didn’t stop there. True to his playful personality, Chunky Panday was quick to jump into the conversation, taking full credit for shaping not just Akshay’s acting skills, but his dancing too. With impeccable comic timing, Chunky quipped, “Acting bhi maine sikhayi, dance bhi maine hi sikhaya aur aaj tak guru dakshina bhi nahi mili,” sending the room into peals of laughter. His joke perfectly captured the warmth and ease of a friendship that has endured decades in a famously competitive industry.
Adding another layer of humor to the exchange, Gulshan Grover chimed in with a cheeky remark of his own. “I’m really proud of Akshay,” he said. “He forgot what Chunky taught him and still turned out to be such a fantastic actor!” The banter highlighted not just their shared history, but the affection and mutual respect that binds them.
Beyond the jokes and laughter, the moment offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Akshay Kumar’s journey — a reminder that even Bollywood’s biggest superstars once stood as eager students, learning their craft under the guidance of seniors and friends. It underscored the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and the bonds formed during the struggle years.
In an industry often defined by glamour and success, this candid conversation stood out for its sincerity. It proved that long before box-office records and blockbuster fame, there were classrooms, rehearsals, shared dreams, and friendships that quietly shaped the stars we celebrate today.