Johnny Lever is the artist who brought laughter to millions with his impeccable comic timing and orbersarvational skills in films and on stage for the last 45 years. Some of his memorable films include Tezaab, Baazigar, Karan Arjun, Raja Hindustani, Judaai, Deewana Mastana, Dulhe Raja, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and many more.
Early Life and Career
John Prakash Rao Janumala, popularly known as Johny Lever, was born on August 14, 1957, in Andhra Pradesh, into a Telugu Christian family and faced financial hardships early in life. His father worked as an operator in Hindustan Unilever, where Lever also spent six years as a laborer. Growing up in Mumbai’s Dharavi, he had to abandon his education after the seventh grade due to financial constraints. However, his challenging circumstances did not deter his spirit. Lever found solace in mimicry, selling pens on the streets of Mumbai while imitating Hindi film stars, which marked the beginning of his journey in entertainment.
Lever’s talent for mimicry was recognised during a company function where he impersonated senior officers. This incident not only earned him the name ‘Johnny Lever’ but also paved the way for his entry into the world of stand-up comedy and, eventually, films. He began performing in orchestras and joined the music direction duo Kalyanji-Anandji, which led to significant exposure and his first big tour with Amitabh Bachchan in 1982.
Johnny Lever In Films
Lever’s cinematic debut came with a role in the movie ‘Dard Ka Rishta’, thanks to the veteran actor Sunil Dutt, who noticed his talent during one of his performances.
He followed it with memorable roles in films such as Love 86 (1986), Jalwa (1988), Hatya (1988), Hero Hiralal (1988), Tezaab (1988), Ilaaka (1989), Kala Bazar (1989), ChaalBaaz (1989), Narsimha (1991), Khiladi (1992), Yugandhar (1993), Aasoo Bane Angaarey (1993), Anari (1993), Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993), Zamane Se Kya Darna (1994), Criminal (1994), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), and many more.
In 1993, he acted in Abbas Mastan’s thriller “Bazigar” as the forgetful “Babulal,” which earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Best Comedian Award. His next Filmfare nomination came for his memorable role as “linghaiyya” in “Karan Arjun (1995).” He again gets the Filmfare Best Comedian nomination for “Raja Hindustani (1996).” for his hilarious role of Balvant Singh. Next year he gets nominations for two Filmfare Best Comedian awards for “Judai (1997)” and “Deewana Mastawa (1997).” He won the Awrad for the later.
The Icon – Johnny Lever
Over the years, Lever has acted in more than three hundred Hindi films, leaving an indelible mark with his impeccable comic timing and unique style of comedy. His contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades over the years. He got two Filmfare Awards for Best Performance in a Comic Role from 13 nominations. Jis nominations include Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Raja Hindustani, Deewana Mastana (1997), Judaai (1997), Dulhe Raja (1998), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Anari No. 1 (1999), Kunwara (2000), Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000), Ajnabee (2001), Humraaz (2002), and Koi… Mil Gaya (2003).
Some of his notable films in the late 90s include Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), Dulhe Raja (1998), Kareeb (1998), Soldier (1998), Wajood (1998), Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999), Daag-The Fire (1999), International Khiladi (1999), Sirf Tum (1999), Baadshah (1999), Hello Brother (1999), and many more.
The King Of Comedy
Lever continue to rule the comedy scene for next decade. Some of his memorable films in this period were Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000), Mela (2000), Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000), Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001), Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001), Lajja (2001), Nayak(2001), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham(2001), Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (2001), Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare (2002), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Andaaz (2003), Chalte Chalte (2003), Deewane Huye Paagal (2005), 36 China Town (2006), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), All the Best: Fun Begins (2009), De Dana Dan (2009), and Golmaal 3 (2010), among others.
Strangely, after 2010, Lever was sidelined like many of his contemporaries by filmmakers. The reason was unclear. He did fewer films in this period, like Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Housefull 2 (2012), Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013), Dilwale (2015), Judwaa (2017), Golmaal Again (2017), Total Dhamaal (2019), Housefull 4 (2019), Coolie No.1 (2020), Hungama 2 (2021), Cirkus (2022), and many more.
Personal Life
Lever married Sujatha Lever. The couple has two children, Jamie and Jessie Lever. His daughter Jamie is also a comedian and actor. Lever’s influence extends beyond cinema. He is known for his charity work and his efforts to bring smiles to people’s faces, both on and off the screen.
Johny Lever’s life and works stand as proof to his resilience, talent, dedication to his craft and a beautiful heart. His story inspires many to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances. As he continues to entertain audiences, Lever remains a cherished figure in the hearts of millions.
Johnny Lever on IMDB
