Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey, a well-known actor couple, celebrate 27 years of marriage, highlighting the deep bond of friendship that has kept their relationship strong. Even after nearly three decades together, their love continues to flourish. Their fun banter and passion were on full display in the show Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, where they wedded each other for the second time.
“I think ours was less a love story and more of a friendship story,” Chunky jokes. He continues, “We dated each other for a year and a half, and then I popped the question to her.”
Bhavana responds, “I was pretty young when I met him. He was older and, I suppose, more than ready to settle down. His kindness, charm, and great sense of humor instantly caught my attention. Spending time with him felt effortless and exciting, just like hanging out with a close friend. Despite this, I noticed a very compassionate, empathetic side to him. He shared a deep bond with his parents and sibling, showcasing a heartwarming and endearing aspect of his personality.
Looking back on their early days together, their first Valentine’s Day after marriage was spent eating at a five-star hotel in Mumbai. Reflecting on their love, Chunky discloses a fundamental “golden rule” that has helped them stay together throughout the years. “We chat and fight like friends, but the rule is that even if we disagree — and we do, which is healthy — we never go to bed with that problem. We always resolve it on the same day, even if it is a major issue. It happened once and lasted until the following day, which was uncomfortable. We decide on the spot, and one unshakable rule is that Bhavana is never wrong!
As dating apps make finding love as easy as a swipe, Bhavana delves into modern relationships and romance. I believe that the sense of love never changes, no matter what generation you come from. I believe it is the accessibility that has changed. We communicated through landlines, concealed from our parents, and eagerly awaited our reunion. Today, with video calls, social media, and so many other possibilities, the experience is very different.