Mumbai, January 29, 2026: Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently surprised fans by revealing an unexpected chapter from his early acting journey. In an upcoming episode of Wheel of Fortune, Akshay credited Chunky Panday as his first acting mentor, leaving everyone on the set stunned.
Opening up candidly, Akshay shared, “Chunky is my teacher,” recalling the days when he attended acting classes as a newcomer. He spoke about how senior actors would guide juniors by rehearsing iconic scenes, especially those inspired by Amitabh Bachchan. “We used to perform Amitabh Bachchan scenes, and Chunky sir was our senior there,” Akshay said, fondly remembering the formative phase of his career.
Adding his signature humour, Chunky Panday took full credit for Akshay’s skills, joking, “Acting bhi maine sikhayi, dance bhi maine hi sikhaya aur aaj tak guru dakshina bhi nahi mili.” His witty remark sparked laughter on set and added a light-hearted touch to the revelation.
Joining the banter, Gulshan Grover also shared a cheeky comment, saying, “I’m really proud of Akshay. He forgot what Chunky taught him and still turned out to be such a fantastic actor!”
The candid exchange offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Akshay Kumar’s early struggles and learning days, highlighting the friendships and mentorships that quietly shape Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Globally, Wheel of Fortune is one of the most iconic game shows in television history. The show has been recognised by Variety as the Most-Watched Entertainment Show on American Television, honoured by Guinness World Records as the World’s Most Popular TV Game Show, and awarded the Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Game Show. The legendary format is now making its much-anticipated Indian debut on Sony Entertainment Television.
- Watch Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Akshay Kumar, Monday to Friday at 9 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
