Chunky Panday on Ananya Panday turning actor: “I’ve not forced her”

Chunky Panday has weighed into the nepotism debate by saying that he did not “force” his daughter Ananya Panday to get into films. It was her own decision, he claims.

The nepotism debate reignited after the demise of Sushant Singh Rajput, with a number of star kids being targeted on social media platforms.

Talking to Hindustan Times, Chunky said, “If my daughter chose to get into films, it’s her prerogative, I’ve not forced her. I wanted to become a doctor. I couldn’t become one. My father was a renowned heart surgeon and my mother was doctor. I must confess that I tried. And I just couldn’t succeed. Then I became an actor. Kids today decide what they want to do. I hope and pray that they succeed. That’s all I can do.”

Asked how he felt about his daughter being attacked on social media, Chunky added, “Of course it is sad. When I came into the film industry, it was said that someone had recommended me and that’s how I got into films. It was a huge thing back then. I remember. But you’ve to live with it. You can’t get into an argument about it.”

He added, “I don’t even know how this term insider and outsider have come into place. The moment you sign a film, you become an insider. It’s your first assignment that makes you an insider. From what I can tell you is that the equation of the industry has not changed. It’s is an equal playing field. You’ve to have a huge amount of luck and then things will fall in place.”

Ananya’s next film is ‘Khaali Peeli’.