Johnny Lever


John Prakash Rao Janumala, better known by his stage name Johnny Lever is an Indian actor and comedian who is known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is one of the most recognised comedic actors in India and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians in Indian Cinema. He has received numerous accolades, including thirteen Filmfare Awards nominations in Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comedic Role, and has won the award twice, for his work in Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja. He began his career in 1984, and has acted in more than three hundred Hindi films.

Early life

Lever was born on 14 August 1957 in a Telugu Christian family in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh. His father worked as an operator in Hindustan Unilever plant where he also worked as a labourer for six years. Lever was brought up in King's Circle area of Matunga in Mumbai. He is the eldest in the family consisting of three sisters and two brothers.
Lever studied in Andhra education society English high school until the seventh grade as he could not study further because of financial problems in his family. As a result, he decided to leave school and started working odd jobs, such as selling pens on the streets of Mumbai by mimicking some famous Hindi film stars of that time and dancing to the songs of Hindi film stars. He also spent his early years in Yakutpura, an old city of Hyderabad, where he learnt the unique style of comedy acting.
During a Hindustan Unilever company function, he mimicked a few senior officers, and from that day on, the workers said he is Johnny Lever. When he later joined the film industry, he decided to use Johnny Lever as his screen name.

Career

Stand-up comedy career

He started to perform stand-up comedy in musical shows, Tabassum Hit Parade and after earning fame, joined the group of Kalyanji-Anandji, a music direction duo. Lever is one of the first stand-up comedians in India and widely regarded as pioneer of stand-up comedy profession in India. Even before joining Hindustan Unilever, he was giving stage performances. Because of his growing absenteeism and since he was earning well from stage shows, he quit HUL in the year 1981. He did a lot of shows and world tours with them, one of his first big tours being with Amitabh Bachchan in 1982. At one of his shows, veteran actor Sunil Dutt noticed his talent and potential and offered him his first movie Dard Ka Rishta.
He recorded a comedy cassette called Hasi Ke Hangame which gave him recognition at homes via the audio mode. During this period, he also did a few commercials for Kachua chhap incense, directed by Shekhar Kapur. In 1986, he performed in a charity show Hope 86 in front of members of the Hindi film industry as a filler. His talent was recognized, which resulted in producer Gul Anand offering him the film Jalwa, alongside Naseeruddin Shah.

Film career

1980s

Lever got his first break in Tum Par Hum Qurban, in which the famous TV and stage compère and yesteryears actress Baby Tabassum launched her son Hoshang Govil as the leading man, and then with the film Dard Ka Rishta, thanks to Tabassum and the late Sunil Dutt. Since then, he has acted in more than 350 films including films such as Tezaab, Kasam, Khataranak and Kishen Kanhaiya. After Dard Ka Rishta, he was seen in Jalwa, Hero Hiralal with Naseeruddin Shah.

1990s

His first major success came with Baazigar, and after that he was seen in movies as a supporting actor/comedian. Despite being busy with his movie roles, he continued to do live shows. One of his most memorable live performances was an impersonation of Michael Jackson at the 1999 Filmfare Awards. His most acclaimed performance was the character of "Babulal" in the film, Baazigar, directed by Abbas-Mustan. He is also remembered for some of his other famous characters, like "Chotta Chattri", "Aslam Bhai", etc.

2010s

He also acted in a Tulu movie, Rang. His first Tamil feature film was Anbirkku Alavillai released in 2011. He also starred in a Kannada film, Gara.

Television career

Lever's first appeared in an episode of sitcom Zabaan Sambhalke as Johnny Utolandand in 1993. Lever also appeared on Zee TV in his own show, Johny Aala Re. In 2007, he appeared as a judge on the stand-up reality show Comedy Circus. In 2017 Lever joined the cast of Partners as Commissioner Googol Chatterjee.
He is the president of MAAM, and has done thousands of live shows all over the world.

Personal life

He married Sujatha Lever in 1984 and has two children Jamie and Jessy. His younger brother, Jimmy Moses, is also a comedian and mimicry artist. Actress Jamie Lever is his daughter.
Lever is a Christian. When asked about his transition to becoming a preacher, Lever replied:

It was God's will. I had always been a religious person, but one incident changed my life. My son was diagnosed with throat tumor. I was helpless and turned to God for help. I stopped working in films and spent all my time praying for him. Ten days later, when he was taken for a test, the doctors were surprised because the cancer had vanished. It was the beginning of a new life for me.

Filmography

Films

YearTitleRoleNotes
1981Yeh Ristha Na Tootay
1982Dard Ka RishtaJoseph
1984Ek Nai Paheli
1986Love 86Uttam
1986Main Balwaan
1987JalwaMuthu
1987 Parivaar
1988Ghar Main Ram Gali Main ShyamSrivastav's Servant
1988Kasam
1988HatyaBlacksmith
1988Aakhri AdalatHavaldar
1988Hero HiralalPolice constable
1988TezaabMunna's Friend
1989Suryaa
1989Ilaaka
1989MujrimShankar's PA
1989JaadugarNilkant
1989Kala BazarKutti Chai Walla
1989ChaalBaazJohny Baba TantrikSpecial appearance
1989Main Azaad HoonProtesterUncredited
1990Kafan
1990Majboor
1990Bandh DarwazaSpecial appearance
1990Kishen KanhaiyaLobo
1990Raeeszada
1991Ajooba Kudrat Ka
1991Vishnu-DevaaHavaldar No. 1
1991Sapnon Ka Mandir
1991NarsimhaTempo Dada
1992Jungle Ka Beta
1992Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge
1992KhiladiAnna Pillai
1992HumlaShiva's Friend
1992ChamatkarCricket Commentator
1992TilakLakhan
1993Teri Payal Meree Geet
1993YugandharBala
1993Aasoo Bane Angaarey
1993AnariBablu
1993Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka RajaSub Inspector Rang Birangi
1993AnmolHimselfSpecial appearance
1993SantaanKalia
1993BaazigarBabulalNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1993Aulad Ke DushmanJohny
1993Bhagyawan
1993GameJaggu
1993Mahakaal
1994Masti
1994Zamane Se Kya Darna
1994KanoonLakhiya
1994AnjaamChampa Chameli
1994Saajan Ka Ghar
1994Ekka Raja RaniGuruji
1994JuaariSalim Tension
1994Prem Yog
1994Main Khiladi Tu AnariDhansukh
1994CriminalSpecial appearance; shot in Telugu and Hindi languages
1994Yaar GaddarPolice Inspector
1994Mr. Azaad
1995Inteqam Ke Sholey
1995Dilbar
1995Karan ArjunLinghaiyyaNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1995Rock DancerPolice Inspector Johnny
1995Ram ShastraReporter Raja
1995HaqeeqatTony
1996JaanDamru
1996Himmatwar
1996HahakarChamcha
1996DaraarHari
1996BhishmaNatwar
1996SapootDeva
1996Raja HindustaniBalvant SinghWon- Screen Award for Best Comedian
Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1996JeetPiajee
1996Dushman Duniya KaHeadmaster
1997JodidarAgarbatti / Pens / Bangles / Sarees salesman
1997Daayen
1997GhunghatPandit Vishwanat
1997JudaaiHiralalNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1997AuzaarPeter
1997KaaliaKhan Dada
1997Himalay PutraJoe
1997Agni Morcha
1997KoylaShanker's Friend
1997Do Ankhen Barah HathRickshaw Walla
1997Yes BossMadhav Advani, aka MAD
1997Judge MujrimHavaldar Amar Lokhande, Akbar Charsi, Anthony Bhai & Janakimma
1997Krishna ArjunRocky
1997Mr. and Mrs. KhiladiBandaged patient on street
1997Deewana MastanaGhafoorWon- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1997IshqRanjit's brother-in-law
1998Barsaat Ki Raat
1998Yeh Aashiqui Meri
1998Miss 420Tony Fernandes
1998Do NumbriDamru
1998Ustadon Ke Ustad
1998Aakrosh: Cyclone of AngerGopi
1998Keemat: They Are BackSub-Inspector Ultappan/Kirappan
1998Aunty No. 1
1998Jiyaala
1998MardBindas
1998Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota HaiMahesh
1998AchanakJoni/Moni/Toni Kapoor
1998Dulhe RajaBankhey Won- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1998KareebBighe Laal
1998Iski Topi Uske SarrGabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo
1998BaroodPresenter
1998Tirchhi TopiwaleKadak K. Pillay
1998Kuch Kuch Hota HaiCol. Almeida, Camp ManagerNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1998SoldierMohan/Sohan
1998WajoodInspector Rahim Khan
1999Heeralal PannalalHeeralal
1999Ganga Ki Kasam
1999Dulhan Banoo Main TeriJack
1999MunnibaiKammal Khan
1999BenaamMunna Mobile
1999Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte HainSunny Goyal
1999Daag: The FireSundar
1999LaawarisGaflet
1999International KhiladiFocus
1999Anari No. 1Daler MehndiNominated – Filmfare Best Comedian Award
1999Silsila Hai Pyar KaJohny
1999Sirf TumNiranjan
1999BaadshahRamlal
1999Hello BrotherHavaldar Hatella
1999Hum Tum Pe Marte HainSattu
1999KhoobsuratNatwarGuest Appearance
1999JaanwarBajrangi
2000KrodhPrem
2000Jwalamukhi
2000Hadh Kar Di AapneFather/Son Lawyer Team
2000Tera Jadoo Chal GayaaMaggi
2000Meri Jung Ka Elaan
2000Beti No. 1Mulayamchand 'Mullu'
2000Kaali Topi Laal RumaalNanhey
2000KunwaraGopalNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
2000MelaInspector Pakkad Singh
2000Kaho Naa Pyaar HaiInspector ParabSpecial appearance
2000Dulhan Hum Le JayengeTour Manager Chirkund
2000Phir Bhi Dil Hai HindustaniPappu JuniorNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
2000BadalGulel Singh Rangoli
2000Dil Hi Dil MeinCollege Professor JackHindi dubbed version
2000Hum To Mohabbat KaregaKutti
2000Joru Ka GhulamKanhaiya
2000DeewaneOkay
2000Hamara Dil Aapke Paas HaiChatterjee
2000FizaLaughing Club Comic
2000ShikariJafrani Sindhi Businessman
2000KhatarnakInspector Pratap TungareMarathi film debut
2000AaghaazRajni Deva
2000Raju ChachaJaddu
2001FarzInformer named 'Taxi'
2001Aashiq
2001Chori Chori Chupke ChupkePappu Bhai
2001CensorVikramjeet's First Assistant
2001Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi KaregaAslam BhaiWon- Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role
2001Lajja
2001NayakTV Cameraman Topi
2001AjnabeeBanu Pradhan Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
2001Dial 100
2001AsokaMagadha Soldier
2001Arjun Devaa
2001Kabhi Khushi Kabhie GhamHaldiramextended special appearance
2001Aamdani Atthani Kharcha RupaiyaaAppu Khote
2002Ankhiyon Se Goli MaareSubramaniam
2002Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa
2002Yeh Mohabbat HaiJaggi
2002Tumko Na Bhool PaayengePakhandee Baba
2002Angaar – The Fire
2002Badmash No. 1
2002Pyaar Diwana Hota HaiParesh Chaval
2002Awara Paagal DeewanaChhota Chhatri
2002HumraazMr. DarshanNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
2002Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi KahaniParwana
2002Yeh Kaisi MohabbatPaajal
2002AnnarthBen Bose, Music Director
2002Kehta Hai Dil Baar BaarNatwar
2002Karz – The Burden of TruthJuggi
2002Chalo Ishq Ladaaye
2003Kucch To HaiPopatlal
2003KhushiMilestone
2003Kaash Aap Hamare HoteNative Indian Black Face
2003Indian BabuMr. Patel/Principal "Patel Bond 008"Special appearance
2003Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar HaiSandwich
2003AndaazG. I. Joe
2003Chalte ChalteNandu
2003Main Prem Ki Diwani HoonJohnny
2003Aisaa Kyon
2003Koi Mil GayaChelaram SukhwaniNominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
2003Market
2003JanasheenJohnny Chen
2004God Only Knows!Road Babe
2004Hatya: The MurderPaid Mourner
2004Navra Maza NavsachaNepali PassengerMarathi Film
2004Aabra Ka DaabraManeklal
2005Meri Biwi Ka Jawab NahinChitra Gupta
2005Padmashree Laloo Prasad YadavYadav
2005Khullam Khulla Pyaar KarenPashabhai
2005Deewane Huye PaagalMurgan
2006Aisa Kyon Hota Hai?
2006Banana Brothers
2006Saawan... The Love SeasonAkhil Rao
200636 China TownKK
2006Phir Hera PheriMunna
2006Chashmebahadur
2006Sandwich
2007Fool n FinalPuttu Pilot
2008Thela No. 501
2008RaceMax Special appearance
2008Konchem KoththagaThiefTelugu film; special appearance
2008Khallbali: Fun Unlimited
2008Nidar – The Fearless
2008Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin
2008Mr Tikdambaaz
2008Paying GuestsBallu Ji
2009Dhoondte Reh JaaogeParvej Asharraf 'Champa'/Daku Rabbar Singh
2009All the Best: Fun BeginsTobu
2009Aao Wish KareinHitchchock
2009De Dana DanKaala Krishna Murari
2010Dulha Mil GayaKrish
2010Bhavnaon Ko SamjhoVivaah Marriage Bureau
2010Prem Kaa GameRamnik Chedda
2010Khatta MeethaAward Anshuman
2010Golmaal 3Pappi Bhai
2011Love Mein GhumSukhiaPakistani film
2011Yamla Pagla DeewanaJeweller
2011Anbirkku AlavillaiJohnny BhaiTamil film
2011Masti ExpressVeerubhai
2011Bin Bulaye BaraatiSajjan Singh
2011Tell Me O KhudaPandurang P.
2012PlayersMC
2012Chaar Din Ki ChandniPaan Singh
2012Housefull 2Vishwas Patil
2012Deewana Main DeewanaHusband
2012Khiladi 786Inspector Bhalerao Kambli
2012Savior
2013Yamla Pagla Deewana 2Bunty
2013BossZorawar Singh
2013Singh Saab the GreatGulwinder
2013EnemmyCID Officer Eric Collaco
2014EntertainmentHabibulla
2014My Father GodfatherDirector
2014RangGuest RoleTulu film
2015DilwaleMani Bhai
2016Santa Banta Pvt LtdChooza
2017MachineDarpan Gopal
2017Pappa Tamne Nahi SamjaayCollege PrincipalGujarati film
2017Judwaa 2Pappu Passport
2017Golmaal AgainPappi Bhai
2019Total DhamaalRaju
2019GaraKannada film
2019Housefull 4Winston Churchgate
2020Coolie No.1Inspector Jagjit Godbole
2021Hungama 2Tutor Gagan Chandra D'Costa
2022CirkusPolson Dada
2022Jaysuk ZdpayoMansukhGujarati film
2023Bad BoyPoltu
2023AflatoonNawab Waajid AliMarathi film
2024LantraniPoliceman
2024I Want to TalkJohny
2025Badass Ravi KumarRaja
2025Be HappyGopi
2025Housefull 5Batuk Patel
2026Completed