Chunky Panday shares why Ahaan’s success feels different from Ananya’s achievements

Bollywood actor Chunky Panday recently opened up about his reactions to his daughter Ananya Panday and nephew Ahaan Panday’s achievements during a vlog with filmmaker Farah Khan and cook Dilip. The conversation took place at Chunky’s home while they prepared pasta together, mixing casual cooking with candid talk.

During the vlog, Farah noticed Chunky’s evident joy over Ahaan’s success in the film Saiyaara and gently teased him, asking why he didn’t appear equally happy about Ananya’s achievements. Chunky responded with honesty, clarifying his feelings. “No, I am happy about her success too, but I don’t show it. For Ananya, I am a little nervous. Kabhi socha nahi tha Saiyaara itna chalegi and will become such a big hit. Jab yeh bacche chote the, tab we used to clap when they talked, threw a party when they started walking, and now when they are performing on screen, it’s the happiest feeling,” Chunky said.

Earlier in the vlog, Farah shared a lighthearted memory, recalling that she had a crush on Chunky when she was younger because of his long hair and looks. Chunky, in his typical humorous style, replied, “I was like Chunky Saiyaara re.” Farah added, “Saiyaara ki success se sabse zyada khush ek hi aadmi hai, not even Aditya Chopra, Mohit Suri or Ahaan Panday’s father, it’s Chunky. You have taken it too personally, but Ananya ki success se you are not so happy.” Chunky’s clarification brought context to the playful banter, showing a mix of pride, nerves, and fatherly emotion.

Ananya Panday made her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year 2 in 2019, alongside Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria. The film earned Rs 95.5 crore against a Rs 65 crore budget and received mixed reviews. Since then, Ananya has appeared in films like Pati Patni Aur Woh, Gehraiyaan, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, as well as the web series Call Me Bae. She was most recently seen in Kesari Chapter 2 with Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan.

Ahaan Panday, in contrast, debuted with Mohit Suri’s romantic musical Saiyaara in 2025, opposite Aneet Padda. The film received positive reviews and performed strongly at the box office, collecting ?21.5 crore on opening and ?569.75 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing romantic drama in Indian cinema. The success of Saiyaara propelled both Ahaan and Aneet into overnight recognition.

Chunky Panday’s reflections reveal a father’s pride mixed with natural apprehension, showing how different milestones can stir varied emotions within a family.