Trivia! Did you know birthday boy Chunky Panday still can't tie shoe laces?

On Chunky Panday's 59th birthday, we take a look at some lesser known facts about the world-class entertainer

Chunky Panday celebrates his 59th birthday today. Best known for his roles in films like 'Vishwatma', 'Aankhen', 'Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan', and more recently in 'Himmatwala', 'Jawaani Jaaneman' and the 'Housefull' franchise, Panday has made a name for himself as a character actor. His portrayal of Aakhri Pasta in the 'Housefull' franchise has made him utterly popular among the youth, and his comic timing remains unparalleled. On his birthday, let's take a look at a few interesting things that you probably didn't know about him. (Pictures: Shadab Khan, Yogen Shah)

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Also read: Chunky Panday: I'm proud to be Ananya Panday's dad

His real name isn't Chunky

Did you know Chunky Panday's real name is Suyash? Chunky was a nickname that stuck, and now the actor prefers it over Suyash! "Between Suyash and Chunky, I prefer Chunky. When Pahlaj Nihalani was launching me with Aag Hi Aag in 1987, he had launched Govinda the year before and he also wanted to give me a name from the Ramayana or Mahabharata. But I felt that it wouldn't suit me because my face is modern. Pahlaj didn't even know the meaning of Chunky but his kids freaked out on the name as it was easy to pronounce. Luckily, I got to retain my nickname," Panday told mid-day in an interview in 2009.

Chunky loves to bake

Chunky Panday believes if not an actor, he would have been a baker. "I need a recipe book but I am a baker. In my childhood, I would bake. I would have become a baker if not an actor," Chunky told mid-day in an interview.

Chunky Panday worked as an acting instructor

Chunky Panday worked as an instructor in acting school in 1986. "The place where Chunky Panday sahab used to learn acting, he used to be my senior there. When I used to go there as a junior, we used to look up to him and we used to wait for the moment when he would come. His film 'Aag Hi Aag' (1987) had released, which was a super-duper hit. I used to be a huge fan of Chunky Panday," Akshay Kumar revealed this fact during a promotional event of Housefull 3.

Chunky Panday has an interest in the constellations

Another thing you may not know about Chunky Panday is that he's interested in space and everything in it. "I was very curious as a child. In fact, I even believed that I didn't belong to planet Earth. The Milky Way, the planets and their orbits fascinate me no end. I often dragged my parents to the planetarium and would often go stargazing in the nights," said Chunky in an interview.

Chunky Panday avoids wearing shoes

There's a practical reason for it too -- he can't tie or untie his laces! He says, "I avoid wearing sneakers or boots too often, as it's embarrassing to get my laces done by others. I have a few pointed toe shoes in my closet. But I simply love flip flops as they come in a variety of colours."

Here's wishing Chunky Panday a very happy birthday!

Also read: Chunky Panday reveals songs he wants to be remade

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