Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; May 29, 2017)

Chunky Panday is set to return as Aakhri Pasta, the most enduring character from the Housefull franchise. Not for a sequel, though. The actor, whose screen name became popular after the comedy’s first part hit theatres in 2010, is in talks with a Bangladeshi food processing brand to endorse their pasta. Interestingly, the company has even decided to rename the product after his character.

Chunky has a huge following in the neighbouring country, having worked in half a dozen films there. “Bangladesh has always been second home to me. But more than Chunky Panday, fans want to see Aakhri Pasta, which right now seems to have overshadowed my personality,” he says, adding he was amused when the brand approached him with the proposal.

Given the popularity of the moniker, Chunky had introduced a dish by the same name at his restaurant in the city seven years ago. However, before going ahead with the plan, Chunky says the brand has to seek permission from producer Sajid Nadiadwala. “After all, he and [filmmaker] Sajid Khan created the character for Housefull.”