Chunky Panday and Anupam Kher, two beloved actors in the Bollywood industry are currently winning hearts with their heartwarming performance in Vijay 69. While both actors are known for their work in a range of films, one story that few know about them involves a funny and awkward moment they shared at the Filmfare Awards in 1989. In a recent interview with Netflix, Chunky Panday recalls the most hilarious and nerve-wracking experience from that time when he and Anupam Kher were nominated in the same category for Best Supporting Actor. The two actors were nominated for their performances in Tezaab (1988) and Vijay (1988), respectively. But what started as a friendly competition soon turned into a moment of real awkwardness for Chunky.
Both actors were shooting for their respective films in Ooty just a week before the Filmfare Awards ceremony. At the time, Chunky was feeling confident about his chances of winning the award. So confident, in fact, that he decided to play a little prank on Anupam. He wrote a note to Anupam that read, “To Mr. Anupam Kher – Nominee for Filmfare. From Chunky Panday – Winner of Filmfare!” He slipped the note under Anupam’s hotel room door to make him feel jealous. Chunky Panday recalls this moment saying, “Hamari shooting Ooty mein chal rahi thi aur maine inko ek note likha tha. Main toh full maan liya tha ki main jeet gaya hu!”
The actor was so sure of his win that he didn’t even have any doubts about the outcome. “I had fully convinced myself that I had won. Who could be better than me? I was the new guy, the fresh blood,” Chunky added with a laugh.
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However, on the day of the awards ceremony, things didn’t go as expected. While filming in Goa, Chunky received a call from the Filmfare editor who told him, “What are you doing in Goa? You’ve won the award, come and take it”. Confident that he was about to walk up and collect the award, Chunky was taken by surprise when his name wasn’t announced.
Adding on, Chunky Panday shared the moment of disappointment, “The nominees were announced, and as soon as they said, ‘The winner is…,’ I got up to walk. But then they said, ‘It’s Anupam Kher for Vijay.’ I swear, Main chalte-chalte seedha bathroom mein chala gaya. Uske baadh 4 saal mein koi award function mein nahi gaya.” It was an awkward and embarrassing moment that left Chunky feeling out of place and he decided to steer clear of award functions for a long time after that.
Anupam Kher, on the other hand, has fond memories of the whole episode. He recalls laughing at the note Chunky had sent him but he never took it seriously. Anupam wasn’t overly confident about winning the award but did appreciate Chunky’s performance in Tezaab. “I didn’t think I would win for Vijay, but I couldn’t deny that Chunky was amazing in his film,” Anupam said with a smile.
Both Chunky and Anupam have currently take over the limelight for their latest collaboration in Vijay 69 which released on November 8, 2024 streaming on Netflix. The film, directed by Akshay Roy, tells the story of a man who decides to compete in a triathlon at the age of 69. Their chemistry and energy in the film have received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
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