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As Chunky Pandey's new film gears up for release, he opens a window to his career

Last year he was Raghav in D, this time he is Raghu in Chekravarthy's Darwaza Band Rakho. Chunky Pandey continues to break the law on the big screen. "Somewhere inside, there is a criminal in me," laughs the actor who proclaims had he not been an actor he would have been a gangster!

This comedy of errors from the house of Ramgopal Varma also stars Aftab Shivdasani and Manisha Koirala. Known for his one-liners, Chunky says, "In my entire career Ramuji is the only producer who has repeated me. Even those with whom I gave hits didn't repeat me."

Poetic justice

Recounting his role, he shares, "Darwaza... is not a gangster film. Here I am playing a chauffeur who is in urgent need of money. This drives him to kidnap a girl (Isha Sharwani) in association with three other guys. But the plan goes awry." To hide the girl they have to take a family as hostage.

"One thing leads to another. Our aim is to keep the door closed but every other scene it keeps knocking... a new person walks through and refuses to go. At one time we have some 35 people. However, the chaotic situation comes to an end with poetic justice," he quips.

Recently he made his debut on the small screen, with Rocky on Filmy channel. "I am not too enamoured by the medium. I agreed to do it because the channel promotes films and I am not anchoring it as Chunky Pandey. I am playing a character Rocky who is a superstar."

When not acting, Chunky gets involved with his business of organising stage shows. "Caribbean is the emerging territory. Recently we organised Bollywood Awards in Port of Spain. Some 9000 people turned up to see Akshay Kumar and Urmila perform while the seating capacity was 7000." Chunky says Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam are the new men in demand on the circuit.

Meanwhile, he continues to play gangster. "I have a dirty mind you know. I have just completed Sangeet Sivan's Apna Sapna Money Money, where I am made to look like Changez Khan. It's really funny. I call it the pirate of Nepal. Then I am shooting for Fool and Final, where I am a jewel thief."

Best remembered for Tezaab, on a serious note, Chunky feels there is an overdose of comedy these days.

"It's time for serious films. I tried it with D and got a lot of appreciation but then you don't always get the roles of your choice." Next on cards is film production. "We are producing Superhit Muqabala on Doordarshan and by next year we will launch our film."

ANUJ KUMAR

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