Talking point with Chunky Pandey

What8217;s your character like in Mumbai Calling? I play Chunky La Funga, the superstar of India in the finale episode of Mumbai Calling.

The actor talks about playing a superstar on TV and his Bollywood comeback

What8217;s your character like in Mumbai Calling?
I play Chunky La Funga, the superstar of India in the finale episode of Mumbai Calling. The original character was written for the series Goodness Gracious and it was inspired by my star status during the early 8217;90s. But this time around Sanjeev Bhaskar wanted me to portray the role and I was more than happy to play a superstar.

This is your debut as an actor on television.
Although I have made appearances for reality shows, technically this is my debut as an actor on TV. It was a totally different experience working with a complete foreign crew. It was shot exactly like a movie, only the cameras used were different. We can term it as a crossover serial. Allan Mckeown who is producing the show has done a fantastic job of putting this programme together.

How was it working with Bhaskar?
He is laugh-a-minute. There is never a dull moment when he is around and he makes sure shooting is as much fun. I have been friends with him from the days of Goodness Gracious and Kumars at No 42. But I have never managed to get tired of his jokes. The only other person I can compare him to is Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Do you have plans of doing more shows on television?
I was highly appreciated for my stint as judge in Zara Nachke Dikha. Star has now offered me another show, but I am not supposed to divulge any information about it.

You got coloured sunglasses into vogue after Zara Nach Ke Dikha.
When I first entered Bollywood, I had a fetish for sunglasses. Every time I had an outdoor schedule I used to buy these sunglasses but I never got a chance to wear them then. When I was invited to be the judge, I thought why not make good use of them.

You are known for your comic timing. How have you perfected the art?
Maybe it8217;s just inherent. But sadly enough my wife doesn8217;t think I8217;m funny at all.

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You have been termed as the Bangladeshi superstar. Are you still doing films for them?
I have stormed back to Bollywood now. I stopped doing Bangladeshi films long ago. I8217;m looking to explore Sri Lanka and Nepal. I don8217;t want to leave any neighbouring territory unexplored.

What8217;s happening on the Bollywood front?
I have loads of film offers and my plate is pretty full for the next year or so. I8217;m doing Khalbali 8212; a film that has 27 comedians. Besides, there is Inder Kumar8217;s Daddy Cool, Shortcut, a couple of films with Mukta Arts, Hello Darling, where I play the character of Elvis from Ulhasnagar, Sankat City and Paying Guest.