Johnny Lever

Johnny Lever
Johnny Lever in 2011
Birth name	John Prakasa Rao Janumala
Born	(1957-08-14) 14 August 1957 Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Spouse	Sujatha Lever
Signature

John Prakasa Rao Janumala (born 14 August 1957, in Prakasam),^[1] better known as Johnny Lever, is an Indian film actor and one of the most popular comedians in Hindi cinema.^[2]

Johnny has received 13 Filmfare Awards nominations in Best Comedian Category, and has won the award twice. He began his career in 1984, and has acted in more than 300 Bollywood films since.

Early life

Lever was born to Prakash Rao Janumala and Karunamma Janumala on 14 August 1957 Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India. He was brought up in Mumbai's King's Circle area (Dharavi). His mother tongue is Telugu.^[3] Johnny studied in Andhra Telugu School till the seventh grade but couldn't study further because of financial problems in his family, after which he decided to leave school and started working different kinds of odd jobs, such as selling pens on the streets of Mumbai by imitating Bollywood stars and dancing to the songs of Bollywood stars. He also spent his early ages in Yakutpura a old city of Hyderabad from where he learnt the unique style of comedy acting.

Lever was also employed in Hindustan Lever's (now Hindustan Unilever) factory in Mumbai with his father. While working, he entertained his co-workers in the factory by imitating Elvis Presley. At one of the functions at his factory he was asked to perform and show his talent. His popularity among coworkers and officers of the factory by his performance earned him the nickname "Johnny Lever".

He started to perform in musical shows (orchestras) Tabassum Hit Parade and after earning fame, joined the group of Kalyanji-Anandji, a legendary music direction duo. He did a lot of shows and world tours with them, one of his first big tours being with Amitabh Bachchan in 1982.

During this period he learned a lot from his mentor Kalyanji, who was described by Lever as a great philosopher and a very humorous person. At one of his shows, actor Sunil Dutt noticed his talent and potential and offered him his first movie Dard Ka Rishta.

In the 1980s, he released his mimicry/comedy album, Hansee Ke Hungame, which became a hit in India and the world over, increasing his fame to another level. During this time period, he also did few commercials for Kachua chhap incense, directed by Shekhar Kapoor.

In 1986, he performed in a charity show called "Hope 86", in front of the whole Hindi film industry as a filler and was loved by audience. His talent was recognised, which resulted in producer Gul Anand offering him a film called Jalwa with Naseeruddin Shah. He is considered an influential Indian comedian who has been cited as inspiration by many other comics.

Career

Audio career

Johnny started his mass career by releasing an album where he mimicked various Bollywood stars and created a few famous characters in the process; Chela Ramani being one. Some famous sketches in the album included "Sky Lab", "Madrasi Anna Cricket", "Pathan in the bus", "Hijra Kabaddi" and "Chela Ramani".

Film career

Lever got his first break in Tum Par Hum Qurban in which the famous TV and Stage compere 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 ji and the late Sunil Dutt. Since then, he has acted in more than 350 films including films like Tezaab, Kasam, Khatarnak and Kishen Kanhaiya . After Dard Ka Rishta, he was seen in Jalwa with Naseerudin Shah, but his first major success came with Baazigar, and after that he was seen in almost every movie as a supporting actor/comedian. Despite being busy with his many 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. His performance in the film, Judaai and his famous dialogues in the movie, Abba Dabba Jabba are also unforgettable.^[4]

His first Tamil feature film was Anbirkku Alavillai^[5] produced by SIMPL (Shepherd India Media Pvt. Ltd.), released in 2011. He also had a special appearance in one Telugu feature film, Criminal directed by Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt.

Television career

Lever also appeared on Zee TV, in his own show, Johny Aala Re.^[6] In 2007, he appeared as a judge on the stand-up reality show Comedy Circus.

He is also the president of CINTAA (Cine And T.V. Artist Association) which has its own television show called Superstars ka Jalwa on Star Plus. He is also the president of MAAM (Mimicry Artist Association Mumbai), and has done thousands of live shows all over the world. His younger brother, Jimmy Moses, is also a comedian and mimicry artist.^[7]

Personal life

He is married to Sujatha and has two children, a daughter Jamie and a son Jesse.^[8] His brother Jimmy Moses is also a famous stand-up comic who has worked on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Comedy Circus.

Controversies

In 1998, Lever was convicted and sentenced to seven days imprisonment for disrespecting the Indian National Anthem, constitution and the flag at a private function hosted by Anees Ibrahim Kaskar, brother of global terrorist Dawood Ibrahim.^[9] However all charges against him were dropped and he was sent home within one day.^{[citation needed]}

Born into a Roman Catholic family,^[10] Lever in 2010 courted criticism from Hindu groups like the Hindu Common Front for "mainly performing Christian prayers on stage" in a concert in organised by Protestant and Pentecostal Christian denominations in a predominantly Hindu locality of Triolet in Mauritius. ^[11]

Filmography

• Yeh Rishta Na Tootay (1981)
• Tum Par Hum Quarban (1985)
• Love 86 (14 February 1986) ...... Uttam
• Main Balwaan (28 November 1986)
• Jalwa (1987) ...... Muthu (The Masseur)
• Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam (15 January 1988) ...... Srivastav's Servant
• Kasam (15 April 1988)
• Hatya (3 June 1988)
• Aakhri Adalat (10 June 1988) ...... Havaldar
• Hero Hiralal (21 October 1988)
• Tezaab (10 November 1988) ...... Kainchi choot
• Suryaa (10 February 1989)
• Ilaaka (12 May 1989)
• Mujrim (28 June 1989) ...... Shankar's PA
• Jaadugar (25 August 1989) ...... Nilkant
• Kala Bazar (6 October 1989) ...... Kutti Chai Walla
• Chaalbaaz (8 December 1989) ...... Special appearance as Johny Baba Tantrik
• Main Azaad Hoon (15 December 1989) ...... Protester (Uncredited)
• Kafan (1990)
• Khatarnak (1990)
• Bandh Darwaza (1990)cameo role in Party.
• Kishen Kanhaiya (9 March 1990) ...... Lobo
• Bandh Darwaza (1 June 1990)
• Raeeszada (1991)
• Ajooba Kudrat Ka (1991)
• Vishnu Deva (15 February 1991) ...... Havaldar No. 1
• Narsimha (5 July 1991) ...... Tempo Dada
• Jungle Ka Beta (1992)
• Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge (1992)
• Khiladi (5 January 1992) ...... Anna Pillai
• Humla (29 May 1992) ...... Shiva's Friend
• Chamatkar (8 July 1992) ...... Cricket Commentator
• Insaniyat Ke Devta 1993) ...... Muthuswamy
• Teri Payal Meree Geet (1993)
• Yugandhar (1993)
• Aansoo Bane Angaarey (1993)
• Anari (26 March 1993) ...... Bablu
• Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (16 April 1993)
• Anmol (27 August 1993) ...... Himself (Special appearance)
• Santan (12 November 1993) ...... Kalia
• Baazigar (12 November 1993) ...... Babulal
• Aulad Ke Dushman (3 December 1993) ...... Johny
• Bhagyawan (10 December 1993)
• Masti (1994)
• Mahakaal (1994)
• Zamane Se Kya Darna (14 January 1994)
• Kanoon (1 April 1994)
• Anjaam (22 April 1994) ...... Champa Chameli
• Saajan Ka Ghar (29 April 1994)
• Ekka Raja Rani (24 June 1994) ...... Guruji (Dancemaster)
• Juaari (8 July 1994)
• Prem Yog (23 August 1994)
• Main Khiladi Tu Anadi (23 September 1994) ...... Dhansukh
• Criminal (14 October 1994)
• Yaar Ghaddar (4 November 1994) ...... Police Inspector
• Mr Azad (23 December 1994)
• Inteqam Ke Sholey (1995)
• Dilbar (1995)
• Karan Arjun (13 January 1995) ...... Linghaiyya
• Criminal (4 August 1995)
• Rock Dancer (3 November 1995) ...... Police Inspector
• Ram Shastra (9 November 1995) ...... Reporter Raja
• Haqeeqat (29 December 1995) ...... Tony
• Jaan (17 May 1996) ...... Damru
• Himmatwar (14 June 1996)
• Hahakar (5 July 1996) ...... Chamcha
• Daraar (5 July 1996) ...... Hari
• Indian (July 1996) (Dubbed as Hindustani in Hindi).....PaneerSelvam (aka Subhar Lal in Hindi version)
• Bhishma (26 July 1996) ...... Natwar
• Sapoot (8 November 1996)
• Raja Hindustani (15 November 1996) ...... Balvant Singh
• Dushman Duniya Ka (22 November 1996)
• Jodidar (1997)
• Daayen (1997)
• Ghunghat (1997)
• Auzaar (28 February 1997) ...... Peter
• Judaai (28 February 1997) ...... Hiralal
• Kaalia (28 March 1997)
• Himalyaputra (4 April 1997) ...... Joe
• Agni Morcha (4 April 1997)
• Koyla (18 April 1997) ...... Shanker's Friend
• Do Aankhen Barah Haath (11 July 1997) ...... Rickshaw Walla
• Yes Boss (18 July 1997) ...... Madhav Advani, aka MAD
• Judge Mujrim (12 September 1997)
• Krishna Arjun (1 October 1997)
• Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi (10 October 1997) ...... Bandaged patient on street
• Deewana Mastana (10 October 1997) ...... Ghafoor
• Ishq (28 November 1997) ...... Ranjit's brother-in-law
• Barsaat Ki Raat (1998)
• Yeh Aashiqui Meri (16 January 1998)
• Miss 420 (23 January 1998) ...... Tony Fernandes
• Ustadon Ke Ustad (20 March 1998)
• Aakrosh: Cyclone Of Anger (3 April 1998) ...... Gopi
• Keemat: They Are Back (10 April 1998) ...... Sub-Inspector Ultappan
• Aunty No. 1 (1 May 1998)
• Jiyaala (1 May 1998)
• Mard (15 May 1998)
• Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (22 May 1998) ...... Mahesh
• Achanak (12 June 1998) ...... Johny.
• Dulhe Raja (10 July 1998) ...... Bankhey (Hotel Manager)
• Kareeb (17 July 1998) ...... Bighe Laal
• Iski Topi Uske Sar (17 July 1998) ...... Gabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo
• Barood (7 August 1998) ...... Presenter
• Tirchhi Topiwale (11 September 1998) ...... Kadak K. Pillay
• Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (16 October 1998) ...... Col. Almeida, Camp Manager
• Soldier (20 November 1998) ...... Mohan/Sohan
• Wajood (11 December 1998) ...... Inspector Rahim Khan
• Heeralal Pannalal (1999) ...... Heeralal (Double role)
• Ganga Ki Kasam (1999)
• Dulhan Banoo Mein Teri (1999)
• Benaam (1999) ...... Munna Mobile
• Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (22 January 1999) ...... Sunny Goyal
• Daag-The Fire (12 February 1999) ...... Sundar
• Laawaris (5 March 1999) ...... Gaflet
• International Khiladi (26 March 1999) ...... Focus
• Anari No. 1 (9 April 1999) ...... Daler Mehndi
• Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (16 April 1999) ...... Johny
• Sirf Tum (11 June 1999) ...... Niranjan
• Baadshah (27 August 1999) ...... Ramlal
• Hello Brother (10 September 1999) ...... Havaldar Hatella
• Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain (24 September 1999) ...... Sattu
• Khoobsurat (26 November 1999) ...... Special appearance (song)
• Jaanwar (23 December 1999) ...... Bajrangi
• Krodh (2000) ...... Prem
• Jwalamukhi (2000)
• Annarth (2000)...Ben Bose
• Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000) ...... Father/Son Lawyer Team
• Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000) ...... Maggi
• Meri Jung Ka Elaan (2000)
• Beti No.1 (2000) ...... Mulayamchand 'Mullu'
• Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal (2000)
• Kunwara (2000) ...... Gopal
• Mela (7 January 2000) ...... Inspector Pakkad Singh
• Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (14 January 2000) ...... Inspector Parab
• Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (15 January 2000) ...... Tour Manager Chirkund
• Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (21 January 2000) ...... Pappu Junior
• Badal (11 February 2000) ...... Gulel Singh Rangoli
• Dil Hi Dil Mein (21 April 2000)
• Hum To Mohabbat Karega (26 May 2000) ...... Kutti
• Joru Ka Ghulam (16 June 2000) ...... Kanhaiya
• Deewane (11 August 2000) ...... Okay
• Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (24 August 2000) ...... Chatterjee
• Fiza* (8 September 2000) ...... Laughing Club Comic
• Shikari* (6 October 2000) ...... Jafrani Sindhi Businessman
• Aaghaaz* (6 October 2000) ...... Rajni Deva
• Raju Chacha (20 December 2000) ...... Jaddu
• Farz (12 January 2001)
• Aashiq (26 January 2001)
• Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (9 March 2001) ...... Pappu Bhai
• Censor (6 April 2001) ...... Vikramjeet's First Assistant
• Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (29 June 2001) ...... Aslam Bhai
• Lajja (31 August 2001)
• Nayak (7 September 2001) ...... TV Cameraman Topi
• Ajnabee (22 September 2001) ...... Banu Pradhan (B.P.)
• Dial 100 (5 October 2001)
• Asoka (26 October 2001) ...... Magadha Soldier
• Arjun Devaa (23 November 2001)
• Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (14 December 2001)
• Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (21 December 2001) ...... Appu Khote
• Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare (2002) ...... Subramaniam
• Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (18 January 2002)
• Yeh Mohabbat Hai (8 February 2002) ...... Jaggi
• Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (22 February 2002) ...... Pakhandee Baba
• Angaar - The Fire (5 April 2002)
• Badmash No.1 (26 April 2002)
• Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai (26 April 2002) ...... Paresh Chaval (Painter)
• Awara Paagal Deewana (21 June 2002)...Chhota Chhatri
• Humraaz (5 July 2002) ...... Mr. Darshan
• Jaani Dushman 16 August 2002) ...... Parwana
• Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat (13 September 2002) ... Paajal
• Annarth (1 November 2002) .....Ben Bose, Music Director
• Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar 15 November 2002 ..... Natwar
• Karz - The Burden of Truth (6 December 2002) ..... Juggi
• Chalo Ishq Ladaaye (27 December 2002)
• Kucch To Hai (24 January 2003) ..... Popatlal
• Khushi (7 February 2003)
• Kaash Aap Hamare Hote (14 February 2003) ..... Native Indian Black Face
• Indian Babu (7 March 2003)
• Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai (9 May 2003)
• Andaaz (23 May 2003) ...... G. I. Joe
• Chalte Chalte (13 June 2003) ...... Nandu (The Roadside Drunk)
• Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (27 June 2003) ...... Johnny
• Aisaa Kyon (8 August 2003)
• Koi Mil Gaya (8 August 2003) ...... Chelaram Sukhwani
• Market (12 September 2003)
• Janasheen (28 November 2003) ...... Johnny Chen
• God Only Knows! (16 January 2004) ...... Road Babe
• Hatya: The Murder (15 October 2004)
• Aabra Ka Daabra (24 December 2004) ......Maneklal
• Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin (2005) ...... Chitra Gupta
• Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav (28 January 2005) ...... Yadav
• Khullam Khulla Pyaar Kare (29 April 2005) ...... Pashabhai
• Deewane Huye Paagal (25 November 2005) ...... Murgan
• Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? (17 February 2006)
• Banana Brothers (17 March 2006)
• Saawan... The Love Season (6 April 2006)....... Akhil Rao
• 36 China Town (5 May 2006) ...... KK
• Phir Hera Pheri (9 June 2006) ...... Munna
• Chashmebahadur (2006)
• Sandwich (2006)
• Fool n Final (2007) ...... Puttu Pilot
• Thela No. 501 (2008)
• Race (2008)
• Khallbali: Fun Unlimited (2008)
• Nidar - The Fearless (2008)
• Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin (2008)
• Mr Tikdambaaz (2008)
• Paying Guests (2008) ...... Ballu Ji
• Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge (2009) ......Parvej Asharraf ' Champa'/Daku Rabbar Singh
• All the Best: Fun Begins (2009)...... Tobu
• Aao Wish Karein (2009) ...... Hitchchock
• De Dana Dan (2009).......Kala Krishna Murari
• Dulha Mil Gaya (8 January 2010) ...... Krish
• Bhavnaon Ko Samjho (15 January 2010) ...... Vivaah Marriage Bureau
• Prem Kaa Game (26 February 2010) ...... Ramnik Chedda
• Khatta Meetha (23 July 2010) ......Anshuman
• Golmaal 3 (5 November 2010) ......Pappi Bhai
• Love Mein Ghum (Pakistani movie) (31 August 2011)
• Yamla Pagla Deewana (14 January 2011)
• Anbirkku Alavillai (scheduled for release in 2011)
• Masti Express (18 February 2011)
• Bin Bulaye Baraati (June 2011) ......Sajjan Singh
• Tell Me O Khuda (27 October 2011) ......Pandurang P.
• Players (6 January 2012)
• Chaar Din Ki Chandni (9 March 2012)
• Housefull 2 (5 April 2012) ......Vishwas Patil
• Deewana Main Deewana (28 September 2012)
• khiladi 786 (7 December 2012) ......Inspector Bhalerao Kambli
• Savior (December 2012)
• Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013)
• Boss (2013 Hindi film)
• Singh Saab the Great (2013)

Playback singer

• Chaalbaaz (8 December 1989)
• Ravan Raaj (23 June 1995)
• Achanak (12 June 1998)
• Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (21 December 2001)

Awards

• 1997: Star Screen Award for Best Comedian: Raja Hindustani
• 1998: Filmfare Best Comedian Award: Deewana Mastana
• 1999: Filmfare Best Comedian Award: Dulhe Raja
• 2002: Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role: Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega

See also

• List of Indian comedians
• List of stand-up comedians
• Johny Aala Re

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Johnny Lever.

• Johnny Lever at the Internet Movie Database
• Johnny Lever on Zee TV
• Johnny Lever at MovieTalkies
• Johnny Lever at SurfIndia