Johnny Lever

Johny Lever

Johnny in 2011
Birth name John Rao Prakash Rao Janumala
Born (1957-08-14) 14 August 1957
Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India[1]
Nationality Indian
Spouse Sujatha Johnrao Janumala
Children Jamie Janumala
Jesse Johnrao Janumala
Relative(s) Jimmy Moses (brother)

Johny Lever (born 14 August 1957)[2] is an Indian film actor and one of the most noted comedians in Hindi cinema. Lever is one of the first stand up comedians in India.[3] Lever has received thirteen Filmfare Awards nominations in Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role, and has won the award twice, for his works in Deewana Mastana (1997), and Dulhe Raja (1998). He began his career in 1984, and has acted in more than three hundred Bollywood films.[4][5]

Lever is one of India's highly respected actors and has a huge fan following that includes many big celebrities. He has been given many awards for his contribution to Indian Cinema.

Early life

Lever was born in a Telugu Christian family,[6] to Prakash Rao Janumala, an operator in Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) plant[7] and Karunamma Janumala in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India. He was brought up in Mumbai's King's Circle area (Dharavi). His mother tongue is Telugu.[8] He is the eldest in the family consisting of three sisters and two brothers (including his younger brother Jimmy Moses).

Education and early jobs

Lever studied in Andhra education society English high school[9] till the seventh grade but couldn't study further because of financial problems in his family. He decided to leave school and started working 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 years in Yakutpura, an old city of Hyderabad where he learnt the unique style of comedy acting.[10]

Coining of his stage name - Johny Lever

During a Hindustan Lever Ltd company function, he mimicked a few senior officers, and from that day on, the workers said he was not John Rao (his real name), he was Johny Lever. When he later joined the industry, he decided to keep the name.[11]

Entertainment career

He started to perform stand-up comedy in musical shows (orchestras), Tabassum Hit Parade and after earning fame, joined the group of Kalyanji-Anandji, a legendary music direction duo. Even before joining Hindustan Lever, he was giving stage performances. As because of his growing absenteeisms and since he was earning well from stage shows, he quit HLL 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, actor Sunil Dutt noticed his talent and potential and offered him his first movie Dard Ka Rishta.

During this 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 members of the 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 alongside Naseeruddin Shah.[12][13]

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 like Tezaab, Kasam, Khatarnak and Kishen Kanhaiya . After Dard Ka Rishta, he was seen in Jalwa 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. His performance in the film, Judaai and his dialogue in the movie, Abba Dabba Jabba are also notable.[14]

2010s

He also acted in a Tulu movie, Rang. He also speaks Tulu fluently, influenced by his neighbours in Mumbai.[15] His first Tamil feature film was Anbirkku Alavillai[16] 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.[17]

Television career

Lever also appeared on Zee TV in his own show, Johny Aala Re.[18] In 2007, he appeared as a judge on the stand-up reality show Comedy Circus.

He is the president of Cine And T.V. Artist Association (CINTAA), 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.[19]

Personal life

He is married to Sujatha and has two children, a daughter Jamie who is a stand-up comedian too and a son Jesse.[20]

Lever is a practicing Christian. When asked about his transition, 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 cancer. 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.[21]

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, head of the infamous D-Company.[22] However, he was relieved of all charges subsequently.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1981 Yeh Rishta Na Tootay
1982 Ek daav Bhutacha Fake Mantrik Marathi Film
1985 Tum Par Hum Quarban
1986 Love 86 Uttam 14 February 1986
Main Balwaan 28 November 1986
1987 Jalwa Muthu (The Masseur) 23 January 1987
1988 Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam Srivastav's Servant 15 January 1988
Kasam 15 April 1988
Hatya Black Smith 3 June 1988
Aakhri Adalat Havaldar 10 June 1988
Hero Hiralal Police constable 21 October 1988
Tezaab Kainchi choot 10 November 1988
1989 Suryaa 10 February 1989
Ilaaka (12 May 1989)
Mujrim Shankar's PA 28 June 1989
Jaadugar Nilkant 25 August 1989
Kala Bazar Kutti Chai Walla 6 October 1989
Chaalbaaz Special appearance as Johny Baba Tantrik 8 December 1989
Main Azaad Hoon Protester (Uncredited) 15 December 1989
1990 Kafan
Khatarnak (Marathi) POlice inspector Marathi Film
Bandh Darwaza cameo role in Party 1 June 1990
Kishen Kanhaiya Lobo 9 March 1990
Raeeszada 13 September 1991
1991 Ajooba Kudrat Ka
Vishnu-Devaa Havaldar No. 1 15 February 1991
Narsimha Tempo Dada 5 July 1991
1992 Jungle Ka Beta
Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge
Khiladi Anna Pillai (5 January 1992)
Humla Shiva's Friend 29 May 1992
Chamatkar Cricket Commentator 8 July 1992
1993 Insaniyat Ke Devta Muthuswamy 12 February 1993
Teri Payal Meree Geet
Yugandhar (1993 film) January, 1993
Aasoo Bane Angaarey 3 November 1993
Anari Bablu 26 March 1993
Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja Sub Inspector Rang Birangi 16 April 1993
Anmol Himself (Special appearance) (27 August 1993)
Santan Kalia (12 November 1993)
Baazigar Babulal (12 November 1993)
Aulad Ke Dushman Johny (3 December 1993)
Bhagyawan (10 December 1993)
1994 Masti
Mahakaal 1994
Zamane Se Kya Darna (14 January 1994)
Kanoon (1 April 1994)
Anjaam Champa Chameli (22 April 1994)
Saajan Ka Ghar (29 April 1994)
Ekka Raja Rani Guruji (Dancemaster) (24 June 1994)
Juaari Salim Tension (8 July 1994)
Prem Yog (23 August 1994)
Main Khiladi Tu Anari Dhansukh (23 September 1994)
Criminal as Himself (14 October 1994)
Yaar Ghaddar Police Inspector (4 November 1994)
Mr Azad (23 December 1994)
1995 Inteqam Ke Sholey
Dilbar (1994 film)
Karan Arjun Linghaiyya (13 January 1995)
Rock Dancer Police Inspector (3 November 1995)
Ram Shastra Reporter Raja (9 November 1995)
Haqeeqat Tony (29 December 1995)
1996 Jaan Damru (17 May 1996)
Himmatwar (14 June 1996)
Hahakar Chamcha (5 July 1996)
Daraar Hari (5 July 1996)
Indian PaneerSelvam (aka Subhar Lal in Hindi version (July 1996) (Dubbed as Hindustani in Hindi)
Bhishma Natwar (26 July 1996)
Sapoot Deva (9 August 1996)
Raja Hindustani Balvant Singh (15 November 1996)
Dushman Duniya Ka Head Master (20 September 1996)
1997 Jodidar Agarbatti / Pens / Bangles / Sarees salesman
Daayen
Ghunghat Pandit Vishwanat (12 July 1996)
Judaai Hiralal (1 February 1997)
Auzaar Peter (28 February 1997)
Kaalia Khan Dada (28 March 1997)
Himalay Putra Joe (4 April 1997)
Agni Morcha (4 April 1997)
Koyla Shanker's Friend (18 April 1997)
Do Ankhen Barah Hath Rickshaw Walla (11 July 1997)
Yes Boss Madhav Advani, aka MAD (18 July 1997)
Judge Mujrim Havaldar Amar Lokhande (12 September 1997)
Krishna Arjun Rocky (18 August 1997)
Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi Bandaged patient on street (10 October 1997)
Deewana Mastana Ghafoor (23 October 1997)
Ishq Ranjit's brother-in-law (28 November 1997)
1998 Barsaat Ki Raat
Yeh Aashiqui Meri (16 January 1998)
Miss 420 Tony Fernandes (23 January 1998)
Ustadon Ke Ustad (20 March 1998)
Aakrosh: Cyclone Of Anger Gopi (3 April 1998)
Keemat: They Are Back Sub-Inspector Ultappan/Kirappan (10 April 1998)
Aunty No. 1 (1 May 1998)
Jiyaala (1 May 1998)
Mard (15 May 1998)
Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai Mahesh (22 May 1998)
Achanak Joni/Moni/Toni Kapoor (12 June 1998)
Dulhe Raja Bankhey (Hotel Manager) (10 July 1998)
Kareeb Bighe Laal (17 July 1998)
Iski Topi Uske Sar Gabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo (17 July 1998)
Barood Presenter (7 August 1998)
Tirchhi Topiwale Kadak K. Pillay (11 September 1998)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Col. Almeida, Camp Manager (16 October 1998)
Soldier (1998 Indian film) Mohan/Sohan (20 November 1998)
Wajood Inspector Rahim Khan (11 December 1998)
1999 Heeralal Pannalal Heeralal (Double role) (22 October 1999)
Ganga Ki Kasam (1999 film) (4 June 1999)
Dulhan Banoo Main Teri Jack 1 January 1999
Benaam Munna Mobile (2 July 1999)
Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain Sunny Goyal (22 January 1999)
Daag-The Fire Sundar (12 February 1999)
Laawaris Gaflet (5 March 1999)
International Khiladi Focus 26 March 1999
Anari No. 1 Daler Mehndi (9 April 1999)
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka Johny (16 April 1999)
Sirf Tum Niranjan (11 June 1999)
Baadshah Ramlal (27 August 1999)
Hello Brother Havaldar Hatella (10 September 1999)
Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain Sattu (24 September 1999)
Khoobsurat Special appearance (song) (26 November 1999)
Jaanwar Bajrangi (23 December 1999)
2000 Krodh (film) Prem (10 March 2000)
Jwalamukhi (2000 film) March 2000
Hadh Kar Di Aapne Father/Son Lawyer Team 14 April 2000
Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa Maggi 18 August 2000
Meri Jung Ka Elaan
Beti No.1 Mulayamchand 'Mullu' 13 October 2000
Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal Nanhey 15 September 2000
Kunwara Gopal 21 July 2000
Mela Inspector Pakkad Singh (7 January 2000)
Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai Inspector Parab (14 January 2000)
Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge Tour Manager Chirkund (15 January 2000)
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani Pappu Junior (21 January 2000)
Badal Gulel Singh Rangoli (11 February 2000)
Dil Hi Dil Mein College Professor Jack (Hindi version) (21 April 2000)
Hum To Mohabbat Karega Kutti (26 May 2000)
Joru Ka Ghulam Kanhaiya (16 June 2000)
Deewane Okay (11 August 2000)
Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai Chatterjee (24 August 2000)
Fiza Laughing Club Comic (8 September 2000)
Shikari Jafrani Sindhi Businessman (6 October 2000)
Aaghaaz Rajni Deva (6 October 2000)
Raju Chacha Jaddu (20 December 2000)
2001 Farz Informer named 'Taxi' (12 January 2001)
Aashiq (26 January 2001)
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke Pappu Bhai (9 March 2001)
Censor Vikramjeet's First Assistant (6 April 2001)
Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega Aslam Bhai (29 June 2001)
Lajja (31 August 2001)
Nayak TV Cameraman Topi (7 September 2001)
Ajnabee Banu Pradhan (B.P.) (22 September 2001)
Dial 100 (5 October 2001)
Asoka Magadha Soldier (26 October 2001)
Arjun Devaa (23 November 2001)
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Haldiram (14 December 2001)
Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa Appu Khote (21 December 2001)
2002 Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare Subramaniam
Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (18 January 2002)
Yeh Mohabbat Hai Jaggi (8 February 2002)
Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge Pakhandee Baba (22 February 2002)
Angaar - The Fire (5 April 2002)
Badmash No.1 (26 April 2002)
Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai Paresh Chaval (Painter) (26 April 2002)
Awara Paagal Deewana Chhota Chhatri (21 June 2002)
Humraaz Mr. Darshan (5 July 2002)
Jaani Dushman Parwana 16 August 2002)
Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Paajal (13 September 2002)
Annarth Ben Bose, Music Director (1 November 2002)
Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar Natwar 15 November 2002
Karz - The Burden of Truth Juggi (6 December 2002)
Chalo Ishq Ladaaye (27 December 2002)
2003 Kucch To Hai Popatlal (24 January 2003)
Khushi Milestone (7 February 2003)
Kaash Aap Hamare Hote Native Indian Black Face (14 February 2003)
Indian Babu Principal (special appearance) (7 March 2003)
Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai Sandwich (9 May 2003)
Andaaz G. I. Joe (23 May 2003)
Chalte Chalte Nandu (The Roadside Drunk) (13 June 2003)
Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon Johnny (27 June 2003)
Aisaa Kyon (8 August 2003)
Koi Mil Gaya Chelaram Sukhwani (8 August 2003)
Market (12 September 2003)
Janasheen Johnny Chen (28 November 2003)
2004 God Only Knows! Road Babe (16 January 2004)
Hatya: The Murder Paid Mourner (15 October 2004)
Aabra Ka Daabra Maneklal (24 December 2004)
2005 Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin Chitra Gupta (2 July 2004)
Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav Yadav (28 January 2005)
Navra Maza Navsacha Marathi Film Marathi Movie (2005)
Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen Pashabhai (29 April 2005)
Deewane Huye Paagal Murgan (25 November 2005)
2006 Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? (17 February 2006)
Banana Brothers (17 March 2006)
Saawan... The Love Season Akhil Rao (6 April 2006)
36 China Town KK (5 May 2006)
Phir Hera Pheri Munna (9 June 2006)
Chashmebahadur
Sandwich (25 August 2006)
2007 Fool n Final Puttu Pilot (1 June 2007)
2008 Thela No. 501
Race Max (special appearance): The marriage bureau chief (21 March 2008)
Khallbali: Fun Unlimited
Nidar - The Fearless
Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin
Mr Tikdambaaz
Paying Guests Ballu Ji (19 June 2009)
2009 Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge Parvej Asharraf ' Champa'/Daku Rabbar Singh (6 March 2009)
All the Best: Fun Begins Tobu (16 October 2009)
Aao Wish Karein Hitchchock (13 November 2009)
De Dana Dan Kala Krishna Murari (27 November 2009)
2010 Dulha Mil Gaya Krish (8 January 2010)
Bhavnaon Ko Samjho Vivaah Marriage Bureau (15 January 2010)
Prem Kaa Game Ramnik Chedda (26 February 2010)
Khatta Meetha Anshuman (23 July 2010)
Golmaal 3 Pappi Bhai (5 November 2010)
2011 Love Mein Ghum (Pakistani movie) (31 August 2011)
Yamla Pagla Deewana Jeweller 14 January 2011
Anbirkku Alavillai Johnny Bhai (scheduled for release in 2011)
Masti Express (18 February 2011)
Bin Bulaye Baraati Sajjan Singh (June 2011
Tell Me O Khuda Pandurang P. (27 October 2011)
2012 Players MC (6 January 2012)
Chaar Din Ki Chandni Paan Singh (9 March 2012)
Housefull 2 Vishwas Patil (5 April 2012)
Deewana Main Deewana Husband to beautiful woman (28 September 2012)
Khiladi 786 Inspector Bhalerao Kambli (7 December 2012)
Savior (December 2012)
2013 Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 Bunty (7 June 2013)
Boss Zorawar Singh (16 October 2013)
Singh Saab the Great Gulwinder (22 November 2013)
2014 Santa Banta TBA
Entertainment Habibulla August 8, 2014
My Father Godfather Releasing on YouTube
Rang Guest Role Tulu film
2015 Dilwale Mani Bhai 25 December 2015

Key

Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released

Playback singer

Year Title Song Notes
1989 Chaalbaaz "Bhoot Raja" 8 December 1989
1995 Ravan Raaj "Tu Cheez Badi Hai Sakht Sakht" 23 June 1995
1998 Achanak 12 June 1998
2001 Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa "Aamdani Atthanni" 21 December 2001

Awards

Year Nominee/work Award Result
1997 Raja Hindustani Star Screen Award for Best Comedian Won
1998 Deewana Mastana Filmfare Best Comedian Award Won
1999 Dulhe Raja Won
2002 Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role Won

See also

References

  1. "Johnny Lever". www.imdb.com. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  2. "Johnny Lever-IMDb". Retrieved 2015-10-27.
  3. Shyam Benegal; William Van Der Heide (12 June 2006). Bollywood Babylon: Interviews With Shyam Benegal. Berg. pp. 196–. ISBN 978-1-84520-405-1. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  4. Comedy is serious business: Johnny Lever - The Hindu
  5. Johnny Lever feels his talent is under-utilised - Hindustan Times
  6. VHP threatens agitation against actors Nagma, Johnny Lever
  7. "Johny Lever: In the film industry, there is dosti but no dost". www.indiatimes.com. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  8. "Find Bollywood Actor Johnny Lever Filmography, Movies, Pictures and Videos". Jointscene.com. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  9. ""Try Jesus" - Johnny Lever (Film Actor)". http://www.hisprayerhouse.org. His Prayer House. Retrieved 25 October 2014. External link in |website= (help)
  10. Interview: "I have learnt a lot from the UK" – Johnny Lever | Bollywood News UK
  11. "This johnny's levered to fame". www.financialexpress.com. Indian Express Newspaper (Bombay) Ltd. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  12. Johnny Lever on Phalke Awards
  13. Johny Lever: The missing comic in Hindi films | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis
  14. "Johnny Lever Filmography". Dishant.com. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  15. "Mangalore: Popular comedian Johnny Lever shoots for Tulu movie". daijiworld. Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd Mangalore. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  16. Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  17. BNB NEWS -MAHESH BHATT & JOHNY LEVER JOINT SOUND SEMINAR. - Mahesh Bhatt Videos : Firstpost Topic - Page 4
  18. "Johny Aala Re, Bollywood comedian Johnny Lever, Zee TV show on Sify Max". Sify.com. Retrieved 2011-06-14.
  19. "Johnny Lever,Bollywood Johnny Lever,Johnny Lever Movies". Surfindia.com. 7 January 1950. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  20. "Johnny Lever's kid is college fest fave". Hindustantimes.com. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 2011-06-14.
  21. John, Ali (April 17, 2012). "Johnny Lever turns preacher". Hindustan Times. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  22. "Tribune article". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 2011-06-14.
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