“If I had to relive my life, I’d do the exact same things,” says Chunky Panday, looking back at his 35-year-long career in films. The actor, who made his debut with Aag Hi Aag (1987), says he has no regrets, and adds, “I’ve enjoyed the ups, downs, laughter, pain, excitement and adventure. It has been a game of hits and misses, like a casino.”

What has helped him tackle the brickbats is his happy-go-lucky attitude. “I like to make people happy. I was watching Mera Naam Joker (1970) and realised I should call myself a happy joker!” quips Panday, who turns 59 today.

And this one will be a working birthday for the actor. “I had earlier planned to take the girls somewhere and have a destination birthday. But currently, Ananya (daughter, actor), Bhavana (wife) and I are busy shooting,” he says.

Ask what his mantra would be going forward, and Panday says, “I treat life as a game of cricket. The idea is to stay at the crease and bat. I’ve seen all shades of life as a hero. I faded into oblivion and came back. But, I have always kept my head and spirits high.”