# Johnny Lever

John Prakash Rao Janumala, better known by his stage name Johnny Lever (born on 14 August 1957) is an Indian actor and comedian who is known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is one of the most recognised comedians 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 Comic Role, and has won the award twice, for his work in Deewana Mastana (1997) and Dulhe Raja (1998). 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. His mother tongue is Telugu but he is also fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, English, Marathi and Tulu. He is the eldest in the family consisting of three sisters and two brothers (including his younger brother Jimmy Moses).
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 (orchestras), 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 comedian in India and widely regarded as pioneer of stand-up comedy profession in India. Even before joining Hindustan Unilever (HUL), 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, 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 (Mimicry Artist Association Mumbai), 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, 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

Key :
| † | Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released |
List of Johnny Lever film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1981 | Yeh Ristha Na Tootay | | |
| 1982 | Dard Ka Rishta | Joseph | |
| 1984 | Ek Nai Paheli | | |
| 1986 | Love 86 | Uttam | |
| 1986 | Main Balwaan | | |
| 1987 | Jalwa | Muthu (The Masseur) | |
| 1987 | Parivaar | | |
| 1988 | Ghar Main Ram Gali Main Shyam | Srivastav's Servant | |
| 1988 | Kasam | | |
| 1988 | Hatya | Blacksmith | |
| 1988 | Aakhri Adalat | Havaldar | |
| 1988 | Hero Hiralal | Police constable | |
| 1988 | Tezaab | Munna's Friend | |
| 1989 | Suryaa | | |
| 1989 | Ilaaka | | |
| 1989 | Mujrim | Shankar's PA | |
| 1989 | Jaadugar | Nilkant | |
| 1989 | Kala Bazar | Kutti Chai Walla | |
| 1989 | ChaalBaaz | Johny Baba Tantrik | Special appearance |
| 1989 | Main Azaad Hoon | Protester | Uncredited |
| 1990 | Kafan | | |
| 1990 | Majboor | | |
| 1990 | Bandh Darwaza | | Special appearance |
| 1990 | Kishen Kanhaiya | Lobo | |
| 1990 | Raeeszada | | |
| 1991 | Ajooba Kudrat Ka | | |
| 1991 | Vishnu-Devaa | Havaldar No. 1 | |
| 1991 | Sapnon Ka Mandir | | |
| 1991 | Narsimha | Tempo Dada | |
| 1992 | Jungle Ka Beta | | |
| 1992 | Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge | | |
| 1992 | Khiladi | Anna Pillai | |
| 1992 | Humla | Shiva's Friend | |
| 1992 | Chamatkar | Cricket Commentator | |
| 1992 | Tilak | Lakhan | |
| 1993 | Teri Payal Meree Geet | | |
| 1993 | Yugandhar | Bala | |
| 1993 | Aasoo Bane Angaarey | | |
| 1993 | Anari | Bablu | |
| 1993 | Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja | Sub Inspector Rang Birangi | |
| 1993 | Anmol | Himself | Special appearance |
| 1993 | Santaan | Kalia | |
| 1993 | Baazigar | Babulal | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1993 | Aulad Ke Dushman | Johny | |
| 1993 | Bhagyawan | | |
| 1993 | Game | Jaggu | |
| 1993 | Mahakaal | | |
| 1994 | Masti | | |
| 1994 | Zamane Se Kya Darna | | |
| 1994 | Kanoon | Lakhiya | |
| 1994 | Anjaam | Champa Chameli | |
| 1994 | Saajan Ka Ghar | | |
| 1994 | Ekka Raja Rani | Guruji (Dance master) | |
| 1994 | Juaari | Salim Tension | |
| 1994 | Prem Yog | | |
| 1994 | Main Khiladi Tu Anari | Dhansukh | |
| 1994 | Criminal | | Special appearance; shot in Telugu and Hindi languages |
| 1994 | Yaar Gaddar | Police Inspector | |
| 1994 | Mr. Azaad | | |
| 1995 | Inteqam Ke Sholey | | |
| 1995 | Dilbar | | |
| 1995 | Karan Arjun | Linghaiyya | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1995 | Rock Dancer | Police Inspector Johnny | |
| 1995 | Ram Shastra | Reporter Raja | |
| 1995 | Haqeeqat | Tony | |
| 1996 | Jaan | Damru | |
| 1996 | Himmatwar | | |
| 1996 | Hahakar | Chamcha | |
| 1996 | Daraar | Hari | |
| 1996 | Bhishma | Natwar | |
| 1996 | Sapoot | Deva | |
| 1996 | Raja Hindustani | Balvant Singh | Won- Screen Award for Best Comedian Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1996 | Jeet | Piajee | |
| 1996 | Dushman Duniya Ka | Headmaster | |
| 1997 | Jodidar | Agarbatti / Pens / Bangles / Sarees salesman | |
| 1997 | Daayen | | |
| 1997 | Ghunghat | Pandit Vishwanat | |
| 1997 | Judaai | Hiralal | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1997 | Auzaar | Peter | |
| 1997 | Kaalia | Khan Dada | |
| 1997 | Himalay Putra | Joe | |
| 1997 | Agni Morcha | | |
| 1997 | Koyla | Shanker's Friend | |
| 1997 | Do Ankhen Barah Hath | Rickshaw Walla | |
| 1997 | Yes Boss | Madhav Advani, aka MAD | |
| 1997 | Judge Mujrim | Havaldar Amar Lokhande, Akbar Charsi, Anthony Bhai & Mother | |
| 1997 | Krishna Arjun | Rocky | |
| 1997 | Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi | Bandaged patient on street | |
| 1997 | Deewana Mastana | Ghafoor | Won- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1997 | Ishq | Ranjit's brother-in-law | |
| 1998 | Barsaat Ki Raat | | |
| 1998 | Yeh Aashiqui Meri | | |
| 1998 | Miss 420 | Tony Fernandes | |
| 1998 | Do numbri | Damru | |
| 1998 | Ustadon Ke Ustad | | |
| 1998 | Aakrosh: Cyclone of Anger | Gopi | |
| 1998 | Keemat: They Are Back | Sub-Inspector Ultappan/Kirappan | |
| 1998 | Aunty No. 1 | | |
| 1998 | Jiyaala | | |
| 1998 | Mard | Bindas | |
| 1998 | Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai | Mahesh | |
| 1998 | Achanak | Joni/Moni/Toni Kapoor | |
| 1998 | Dulhe Raja | Bankhey (Hotel Manager) | Won- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1998 | Kareeb | Bighe Laal | |
| 1998 | Iski Topi Uske Sar | Gabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo | |
| 1998 | Barood | Presenter | |
| 1998 | Tirchhi Topiwale | Kadak K. Pillay | |
| 1998 | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Col. Almeida, Camp Manager | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1998 | Soldier | Mohan/Sohan | |
| 1998 | Wajood | Inspector Rahim Khan | |
| 1999 | Heeralal Pannalal | Heeralal (Double role) | |
| 1999 | Ganga Ki Kasam | | |
| 1999 | Dulhan Banoo Main Teri | Jack | |
| 1999 | Munnibai | Kammal Khan | |
| 1999 | Benaam | Munna Mobile | |
| 1999 | Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain | Sunny Goyal | |
| 1999 | Daag-The Fire | Sundar | |
| 1999 | Laawaris | Gaflet | |
| 1999 | International Khiladi | Focus | |
| 1999 | Anari No. 1 | Daler Mehndi | Nominated – Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 1999 | Silsila Hai Pyar Ka | Johny | |
| 1999 | Sirf Tum | Niranjan | |
| 1999 | Baadshah | Ramlal | |
| 1999 | Hello Brother | Havaldar Hatella | |
| 1999 | Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain | Sattu | |
| 1999 | Khoobsurat | Natwar | Guest Appearance |
| 1999 | Jaanwar | Bajrangi | |
| 2000 | Krodh | Prem | |
| 2000 | Jwalamukhi | | |
| 2000 | Hadh Kar Di Aapne | Father/Son Lawyer Team | |
| 2000 | Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa | Maggi | |
| 2000 | Meri Jung Ka Elaan | | |
| 2000 | Beti No. 1 | Mulayamchand 'Mullu' | |
| 2000 | Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal | Nanhey | |
| 2000 | Kunwara | Gopal | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 2000 | Mela | Inspector Pakkad Singh | |
| 2000 | Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai | Inspector Parab | Special appearance |
| 2000 | Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge | Tour Manager Chirkund | |
| 2000 | Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani | Pappu Junior | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 2000 | Badal | Gulel Singh Rangoli | |
| 2000 | Dil Hi Dil Mein | College Professor Jack | Hindi dubbed version |
| 2000 | Hum To Mohabbat Karega | Kutti | |
| 2000 | Joru Ka Ghulam | Kanhaiya | |
| 2000 | Deewane | Okay | |
| 2000 | Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai | Chatterjee | |
| 2000 | Fiza | Laughing Club Comic | |
| 2000 | Shikari | Jafrani Sindhi Businessman | |
| 2000 | Khatarnak | Inspector Pratap Tungare | Marathi film debut |
| 2000 | Aaghaaz | Rajni Deva | |
| 2000 | Raju Chacha | Jaddu | |
| 2001 | Farz | Informer named 'Taxi' | |
| 2001 | Aashiq | | |
| 2001 | Chori Chori Chupke Chupke | Pappu Bhai | |
| 2001 | Censor | Vikramjeet's First Assistant | |
| 2001 | Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega | Aslam Bhai | Won- Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role |
| 2001 | Lajja | | |
| 2001 | Nayak | TV Cameraman Topi | |
| 2001 | Ajnabee | Banu Pradhan (B.P.) | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 2001 | Dial 100 | | |
| 2001 | Asoka | Magadha Soldier | |
| 2001 | Arjun Devaa | | |
| 2001 | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | Haldiram | extended special appearance |
| 2001 | Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa | Appu Khote | |
| 2002 | Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare | Subramaniam | |
| 2002 | Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa | | |
| 2002 | Yeh Mohabbat Hai | Jaggi | |
| 2002 | Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge | Pakhandee Baba | |
| 2002 | Angaar – The Fire | | |
| 2002 | Badmash No. 1 | | |
| 2002 | Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai | Paresh Chaval (Painter) | |
| 2002 | Awara Paagal Deewana | Chhota Chhatri | |
| 2002 | Humraaz | Mr. Darshan | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award (extended guest appearance) |
| 2002 | Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani | Parwana | |
| 2002 | Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat | Paajal | |
| 2002 | Annarth | Ben Bose, Music Director | |
| 2002 | Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar | Natwar | |
| 2002 | Karz – The Burden of Truth | Juggi | |
| 2002 | Chalo Ishq Ladaaye | | |
| 2003 | Kucch To Hai | Popatlal | |
| 2003 | Khushi | Milestone | |
| 2003 | Kaash Aap Hamare Hote | Native Indian Black Face | |
| 2003 | Indian Babu | Mr. Patel/Principal "Patel Bond 008" | Special appearance |
| 2003 | Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai | Sandwich | |
| 2003 | Andaaz | G. I. Joe | |
| 2003 | Chalte Chalte | Nandu (The Roadside Drunkard) | |
| 2003 | Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon | Johnny | |
| 2003 | Aisaa Kyon | | |
| 2003 | Koi Mil Gaya | Chelaram Sukhwani | Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
| 2003 | Market | | |
| 2003 | Janasheen | Johnny Chen | |
| 2004 | God Only Knows! | Road Babe | |
| 2004 | Hatya: The Murder | Paid Mourner | |
| 2004 | Navra Maza Navsacha | Nepali Passenger | Marathi Film (Guest Appearance) |
| 2004 | Aabra Ka Daabra | Maneklal | |
| 2005 | Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin | Chitra Gupta | |
| 2005 | Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav | Yadav | |
| 2005 | Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen | Pashabhai | |
| 2005 | Deewane Huye Paagal | Murgan | |
| 2006 | Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? | | |
| 2006 | Banana Brothers | | |
| 2006 | Saawan... The Love Season | Akhil Rao | |
| 2006 | 36 China Town | KK | |
| 2006 | Phir Hera Pheri | Munna | |
| 2006 | Chashmebahadur | | |
| 2006 | Sandwich | | |
| 2007 | Fool n Final | Puttu Pilot | |
| 2008 | Thela No. 501 | | |
| 2008 | Race | Max (The marriage bureau chief) | Special appearance |
| 2008 | Konchem Koththaga | Thief | Telugu film; special appearance |
| 2008 | Khallbali: Fun Unlimited | | |
| 2008 | Nidar – The Fearless | | |
| 2008 | Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin | | |
| 2008 | Mr Tikdambaaz | | |
| 2008 | Paying Guests | Ballu Ji | |
| 2009 | Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge | Parvej Asharraf 'Champa'/Daku Rabbar Singh | |
| 2009 | All the Best: Fun Begins | Tobu | |
| 2009 | Aao Wish Karein | Hitchchock | |
| 2009 | De Dana Dan | Kaala Krishna Murari | |
| 2010 | Dulha Mil Gaya | Krish | |
| 2010 | Bhavnaon Ko Samjho | Vivaah Marriage Bureau | |
| 2010 | Prem Kaa Game | Ramnik Chedda | |
| 2010 | Khatta Meetha | Award Anshuman | |
| 2010 | Golmaal 3 | Pappi Bhai | |
| 2011 | Love Mein Ghum | Sukhia | Pakistani film |
| 2011 | Yamla Pagla Deewana | Jeweller | |
| 2011 | Anbirkku Alavillai | Johnny Bhai | Tamil film |
| 2011 | Masti Express | Veerubhai | |
| 2011 | Bin Bulaye Baraati | Sajjan Singh | |
| 2011 | Tell Me O Khuda | Pandurang P. | |
| 2012 | Players | MC | |
| 2012 | Chaar Din Ki Chandni | Paan Singh | |
| 2012 | Housefull 2 | Vishwas Patil | |
| 2012 | Deewana Main Deewana | Husband | |
| 2012 | Khiladi 786 | Inspector Bhalerao Kambli | |
| 2012 | Savior | | |
| 2013 | Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 | Bunty | |
| 2013 | Boss | Zorawar Singh | |
| 2013 | Singh Saab the Great | Gulwinder | |
| 2013 | Enemmy | CID Officer Eric Collaco | |
| 2014 | Entertainment | Habibulla | |
| 2014 | My Father Godfather | Director (Special Appearance) | |
| 2014 | Rang | Guest Role | Tulu film |
| 2015 | Dilwale | Mani Bhai | |
| 2016 | Santa Banta Pvt Ltd | Chooza | |
| 2017 | Machine | Darpan Gopal | |
| 2017 | Pappa Tamne Nahi Samjaay | | Gujarati film |
| 2017 | Judwaa 2 | Pappu Passport | |
| 2017 | Golmaal Again | Pappi Bhai | |
| 2019 | Total Dhamaal | Raju | |
| 2019 | Gara | | Kannada film |
| 2019 | Housefull 4 | Winston Churchgate | |
| 2020 | Coolie No.1 | Inspector Jagjit Godbole | |
| 2021 | Hungama 2 | Tutor Gagan Chandra D'Costa | |
| 2022 | Cirkus | Polson Dada | |
| 2022 | Jaysuk Zdpayo | Mansukh | Gujarati film |
| 2023 | Bad Boy | Poltu | |
| 2023 | Aflatoon | Nawab Waajid Ali | Marathi film |
| 2024 | Lantrani | Policeman | |
| 2024 | I Want to Talk | Johny | |
| 2025 | Badass Ravi Kumar | Raja | |
| 2025 | Housefull 5 | | |

### As playback singer

List of Johnny Lever film singing credits :
| Year | Title | Song |
| 1989 | Chaalbaaz | "Bhoot Raja" |
| 1995 | Ravan Raaj | "Tu Cheez Badi Hai Sakht Sakht" |
| 1998 | Achanak | |

### As dubbing artist

List of Johnny Lever film voiceover credits :
| Year | Title | Actor | Notes |
| 1996 | Hindustani | Senthil | |

### Television shows

List of Johnny Lever television shows and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1993 | Zabaan Sambhalke | Johnny Utolandand | Episode 29 |
| 2006 | Johny Aala Re | Host/presenter | |
| 2007 | Comedy Circus | Himself (Judge) | |
| 2017–2018 | Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double | Gogol Chatterjee/Khabri Murgai | Double role |
| 2023 | Pop Kaun? | Brij Kishor Trivedi | |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Category | Work | Result |
| Filmfare Awards ||||
| 1994 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Baazigar | Nominated |
| 1996 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Karan Arjun | Nominated |
| 1997 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Raja Hindustani | Nominated |
| 1998 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Deewana Mastana | Won |
| 1998 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Judaai | Nominated |
| 1999 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Dulhe Raja | Won |
| 1999 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Nominated |
| 2000 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Anari No.1 | Nominated |
| 2001 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Kunwara | Nominated |
| 2001 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani | Nominated |
| 2002 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Ajnabee | Nominated |
| 2003 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Humraaz | Nominated |
| 2004 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Koi... Mil Gaya | Nominated |
| IIFA Awards ||||
| 2001 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani | Nominated |
| 2002 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Ajnabee | Nominated |
| 2004 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Koi... Mil Gaya | Nominated |
| 2010 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | De Dana Dan | Nominated |
| Indian Television Academy Awards ||||
| 2018 | Best Actor - Comedy | Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double | Nominated |
| Producers Guild Film Awards ||||
| 2018 | Best Actor in a Comic Role | Housefull 2 | Nominated |
| Screen Awards ||||
| 1997 | Best Comedian | Raja Hindustani | Won |
| 2002 | Best Comedian | Ajnabee | Nominated |
| 2003 | Best Comedian | Awara Paagal Deewana | Nominated |
| 2011 | Best Comedian | Golmaal 3 | Nominated |
| Zee Cine Awards ||||
| 2002 | Best Actor in a Comic Role | Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega | Won |
| 2004 | Best Actor in a Comic Role | Koi... Mil Gaya | Nominated |