Chunky Panday brings smiles, and his father gave hearts a second chance.

We all remember the iconic ‘Akhiri Pasta’ from the ‘Housefull’ franchise. Today, Chunky Panday, one of Bollywood’s most beloved comic actors, celebrates his 63rd birthday. He made his acting debut in the 1987 multi-starrer ‘Aag Hi Aag’ opposite Neelam Kothari, followed by another hit, ‘Paap Ki Duniya’, alongside Sunny Deol and Neelam. Between 1987 and 1993, Panday featured in numerous multi-hero films, gradually establishing himself in the industry.

In 1988, his supporting role in N. Chandra’s ‘Tezaab’, starring Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit, earned him critical acclaim and a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Over the years, Chunky Panday became known for his effortless comic timing, turning quirky side roles into unforgettable cinematic moments.

While many fans are familiar with Panday’s film journey, few know about his early life and family. Did you know that his father was part of India’s first heart transplant team? Let’s dive deeper into this fascinating aspect of his life.

The Legacy of Chunky Panday’s Father

Chunky Panday was born to Sharad Panday and Snehlata Panday, a physician. Snehlata was a gynaecologist who, during the 1980s, opened a beauty parlour and a slimming clinic—one of the first of its kind in India. From this, we can see that Chunky comes from a family of doctors and lawyers. His father, Dr. Sharad Panday, was a prominent figure in the medical field.

His father, Dr. Sharad Panday, initially considered a career in architecture, but his own father, Rajaram Panday, guided him toward medicine. With talent and hard work, Sharad Panday became a renowned heart surgeon. He completed his MBBS at Grant Medical College and Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Group of Hospitals in Bombay, and later earned his Master of Surgery in Canada.

Upon returning to India, he joined King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (KEM), performing numerous open-heart surgeries at a time when such procedures were rare in the country. On 16 February 1968, Dr. Sharad Panday, alongside P.K. Sen, performed India’s first heart transplant. He was also known for pioneering bloodless heart surgeries.