Akshay Kumar Surprises Fans on Wheel of Fortune by Naming Chunky Panday as His First Acting Teacher

29 January 2026, Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently revealed a lesser-known chapter from the early days of his career—and it instantly grabbed attention. On an upcoming episode of Wheel of Fortune, the actor shared that Chunky Panday was his first acting teacher, referring to him as his “guru” during his initial struggle in the industry.

A Shocking Truth from Akshay Kumar

During a candid conversation on the show, Akshay openly credited Chunky Panday for guiding him at the very start of his acting journey.
Chunky is my teacher,” Akshay said. As a result, both the guests and the audience were visibly surprised by the unexpected revelation.

Back to the Acting Class Days

Looking back, Akshay recalled his early training phase and spoke about attending acting classes where senior actors mentored newcomers.
“We used to perform Amitabh Bachchan’s scenes, and Chunky sir was our senior there,” he shared. More importantly, he added that these sessions played a crucial role in helping him understand the fundamentals of acting.

Chunky Panday’s Humorous Claim to Fame

Meanwhile, staying true to his trademark humour, Chunky Panday jokingly took full credit for Akshay’s success.
“I taught him acting, I taught him dancing, and till date I haven’t received my guru dakshina,” he quipped. Naturally, the comment left everyone on set in splits.

Gulshan Grover Adds a Cheeky Twist

Adding to the light-hearted banter, actor Gulshan Grover shared his own witty remark.
“I’m really proud of Akshay. He forgot whatever Chunky taught him and still turned out to be such a fantastic actor!” he joked. Consequently, the exchange highlighted the warmth and long-standing friendships behind Bollywood’s glamour.

A Glimpse into Akshay Kumar’s Early Journey

Overall, the moment offered fans a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into Akshay Kumar’s journey. It also served as a reminder that even the biggest stars begin as students—shaped by mentors, friendships, and years of learning.

About Wheel of Fortune India

Globally, Wheel of Fortune is among the most iconic game shows in television history. It has been named the most-watched entertainment show in the US by Variety, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s most popular TV game show, and honoured with a Daytime Emmy® Award. Now, the celebrated format is making its much-awaited Indian debut on Sony Entertainment Television.

Catch Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Akshay Kumar, every Monday to Friday from 9 PM to 10 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.