Johnny Lever
| Johnny Lever | |
|---|---|
 Johnny Lever in 2011 | |
| Birth name | John Prakasa Rao Janumala |
| Born | 14 August 1957 Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India[1] |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Spouse | Sujata Janumala |
| Children | Jamie Janumala Jesse Janumala |
| Relative(s) | Jimmy Moses (brother) |
Johnny 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 incredible 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 - Johnny 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 Johnny 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 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 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 almost every movie 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 famous dialogue in the movie, Abba Dabba Jabba are also unforgettable.[14]
2010s
He also acted in a Tulu movie, Rang. He also speaks Tulu fluently, influenced by his neighbors 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) | |
| 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 | 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 | ||
| Kishen Kanhaiya | Lobo | 9 March 1990 | |
| Bandh Darwaza | 1 June 1990 | ||
| 1991 | Raeeszada | ||
| Ajooba Kudrat Ka | |||
| Vishnu Deva | 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 | |
| Teri Payal Meree Geet | |||
| Yugandhar | |||
| Aansoo Bane Angaarey | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | (14 October 1994) | ||
| Yaar Ghaddar | Police Inspector | (4 November 1994) | |
| Mr Azad | (23 December 1994) | ||
| 1995 | Inteqam Ke Sholey | ||
| Dilbar | |||
| Karan Arjun | Linghaiyya | (13 January 1995) | |
| Criminal | (4 August 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 | (8 November 1996) | ||
| Raja Hindustani | Balvant Singh | (15 November 1996) | |
| Dushman Duniya Ka | (22 November 1996) | ||
| 1997 | Jodidar | ||
| Daayen | |||
| Ghunghat | Pandit Vishwanat | ||
| Judaai | Hiralal | (1 February 1997) | |
| Auzaar | Peter | (28 February 1997) | |
| Kaalia | (28 March 1997) | ||
| Himalyaputra | Joe | (4 April 1997) | |
| Agni Morcha | (4 April 1997) | ||
| Koyla | Shanker's Friend | (18 April 1997) | |
| Do Aankhen Barah Haath | Rickshaw Walla | (11 July 1997) | |
| Yes Boss | Madhav Advani, aka MAD | (18 July 1997) | |
| Judge Mujrim | (12 September 1997) | ||
| Krishna Arjun | (1 October 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 | Johny | (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 | Mohan/Sohan | (20 November 1998) | |
| Wajood | Inspector Rahim Khan | (11 December 1998) | |
| 1999 | Heeralal Pannalal | Heeralal (Double role) | |
| Ganga Ki Kasam | |||
| Dulhan Banoo Mein Teri | |||
| Benaam | Munna Mobile | ||
| 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 | Prem | |
| Jwalamukhi | |||
| Annarth | Ben Bose | ||
| Hadh Kar Di Aapne | Father/Son Lawyer Team | ||
| Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa | Maggi | ||
| Meri Jung Ka Elaan | |||
| Beti No.1 | Mulayamchand 'Mullu' | ||
| Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal | |||
| Kunwara | Gopal | ||
| 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 | (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 | (7 February 2003) | ||
| Kaash Aap Hamare Hote | Native Indian Black Face | (14 February 2003) | |
| Indian Babu | (7 March 2003) | ||
| Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai | (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 | (15 October 2004) | ||
| Aabra Ka Daabra | Maneklal | (24 December 2004) | |
| 2005 | Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin | Chitra Gupta | |
| 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 | |||
| 2007 | Fool n Final | Puttu Pilot | |
| 2008 | Thela No. 501 | ||
| Race | |||
| Khallbali: Fun Unlimited | |||
| Nidar - The Fearless | |||
| Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin | |||
| Mr Tikdambaaz | |||
| Paying Guests | Ballu Ji | ||
| 2009 | Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge | Parvej Asharraf ' Champa'/Daku Rabbar Singh | |
| All the Best: Fun Begins | Tobu | ||
| Aao Wish Karein | Hitchchock | ||
| De Dana Dan | Kala Krishna Murari | ||
| 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 | (28 September 2012) | ||
| Khiladi 786 | Inspector Bhalerao Kambli | (7 December 2012) | |
| Savior | (December 2012) | ||
| 2013 | Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 | Bunty | |
| Boss | Zorawar Singh | ||
| Singh Saab the Great | Gulwinder | ||
| 2014 | Santa Banta | TBA | |
| Entertainment | Habibulla | (August 8, 2014) | |
| My Father Godfather | Releasing on YouTube | ||
| Rang | Guest Role | Upcoming Tulu film | |
| 2015 | Dilwale | Mani Bhai | (December 25, 2015) |
| 2016 | Housefull 3 | TBA | (June 3, 2016) |
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
- ^ "Johnny Lever-IMDb". www.imdb.com. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
- ^ "Johnny Lever-IMDb". Retrieved 27 October 2015.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Comedy is serious business: Johnny Lever - The Hindu
- ^ Johnny Lever feels his talent is under-utilised - Hindustan Times
- ^ VHP threatens agitation against actors Nagma, Johnny Lever
- ^ "Johny Lever: In the film industry, there is dosti but no dost". www.indiatimes.com. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
- ^ "Find Bollywood Actor Johnny Lever Filmography, Movies, Pictures and Videos". Jointscene.com. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
- ^ ""Try Jesus" - Johnny Lever (Film Actor)". http://www.hisprayerhouse.org. His Prayer House. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
{{cite web}}: External link in|website= - ^ Interview: "I have learnt a lot from the UK" – Johnny Lever | Bollywood News UK
- ^ "This johnny's levered to fame". www.financialexpress.com. Indian Express Newspaper (Bombay) Ltd. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
- ^ Johnny Lever on Phalke Awards
- ^ Johny Lever: The missing comic in Hindi films | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis
- ^ "Johnny Lever Filmography". Dishant.com. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
- ^ "Mangalore: Popular comedian Johnny Lever shoots for Tulu movie". daijiworld. Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd Mangalore. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ [1] Archived 2011-07-07 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ BNB NEWS -MAHESH BHATT & JOHNY LEVER JOINT SOUND SEMINAR. - Mahesh Bhatt Videos : Firstpost Topic - Page 4
- ^ "Johny Aala Re, Bollywood comedian Johnny Lever, Zee TV show on Sify Max". Sify.com. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
- ^ "Johnny Lever,Bollywood Johnny Lever,Johnny Lever Movies". Surfindia.com. 7 January 1950. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
- ^ "Johnny Lever's kid is college fest fave". Hindustantimes.com. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
- ^ John, Ali (17 April 2012). "Johnny Lever turns preacher". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- ^ "Tribune article". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
External links
- Johnny Lever at IMDb
| International | |
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| National | |
