# Sudesh Lehri

Sudesh Lehri (born October 27, 1968) is an Indian stand-up comedian who frequently appears in comedy shows on Indian television and live stage shows. With his career spanning more than two decades, Lehri is known for his comic timing, stage presence, and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

## Early life and background

Lehri was born on October 27 1968 in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, into middle class family. His father was a goldsmith, and the family often struggled to make ends meet. Lehri grew up in a challenging environment, where resources were scarce, and entertainment was considered a luxury.
Despite the hardships, Lehri cultivated a passion for comedy and performance from childhood. He often entertained his peers and family by imitating local characters, showcasing a natural flair for comedy. His comedic instincts and sharp observational skills set him apart when as a child.
Financial struggles forced Lehri to leave school prematurely, leading him to take odd jobs such as shop work, construction labor, and assisting his father to support his household.
With Lehri wanting to pursue entertainment, his comedy began in local theater and community programs, where he performed skits and stand-up acts. His performances resonated with audiences, encouraging him to take bigger risks and pursue opportunities on larger platforms.

## Career
### Breakthrough with The Great Indian Laughter Challenge

Lehri’s turning point came in 2007 when he participated in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in its third season. Competing alongside some of India’s finest upcoming comedians, Lehri gained attention for his unique style. Lehri's skits took observational humor related to everyday life, relatable characters inspired by rural and middle-class India, and expressions without any error and voice modulations.
Lehri's performances, including his takes on relatable social situations, earned him a spot as one of the finalists. While failing to win the competition, he became a recognized name in Indian households.

### Television Success and Stardom

After his success in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Lehri became a prominent figure on Indian television, with several career-defining roles and performances.

#### Comedy Circus (2008–2014)

One of the most significant milestones in Lehri’s career was his association with Comedy Circus. Over multiple seasons, Lehri delivered iconic performances that solidified his reputation as one of the country’s leading comedians. His partnership with Krushna Abhishek became the backbone of the show. The duo created skits including parodies of Bollywood films and characters; satirical takes on Indian society, politics, and culture; and unique and exaggerated personas. From this, they won numerous awards, including multiple wins on the show, and they became one of the most celebrated comedy pairs on Indian television.

#### Comedy Nights Bachao (2015–2017)

Lehri appeared on Comedy Nights Bachao, a show known for its roast format. His ability to roast celebrities while keeping the humor light-hearted and respectful won him accolades.

#### Comedy Classes (2014–2016)

In Comedy Classes, Lehri played a variety of over-the-top characters, showcasing his versatility as a performer. The show allowed him to experiment with different formats, from scripted sketches to improvised humor.

#### The Kapil Sharma Show

Lehri appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show multiple times, either as a guest or in recurring roles. His on-screen chemistry with host Kapil Sharma and his impromptu humor made him a favourite among viewers.

### Bollywood Career

Lehri has worked alongside top actors and directors in the industry.
Notable films include: Ready (2011), No Problem (2010): Directed by Anees Bazmee, Great Grand Masti (2016), and Jai Ho (2014) a cameo.
Lehri has also appeared in Punjabi-language films.

### Collaborations with Krushna Abhishek

Lehri’s partnership with artist Krushna Abhishek is often regarded as one of the most successful collaborations in Indian comedy. Together, they created a brand of humor that combined slapstick comedy, satire, and improvisation. Their collaborations include:
* Multiple seasons of Comedy Circus.
* Comedy Nights Bachao.
* Comedy Classes.

## Awards and honors

Lehri’s contributions to comedy and entertainment have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including:
* Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role.
* Lions Gold Award for Excellence in Comedy.
* Punjabi Icon Award, acknowledging his influence in Punjabi entertainment.
* Honors at various regional and national comedy festivals.

## Personal life

Lehri is married to Mamta Lehri, and the couple has two children. Lehri is known for his grounded and humble demeanor. He often credits his wife and family for supporting him during his early struggles and throughout his career.
In interviews, Lehri has spoken about his love for music, his admiration for old-school comedians like Johnny Lever, and his desire to mentor aspiring comedians.

## Filmography

He has appeared in several Punjabi and Hindi films.
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
| 2004 | Ghuggi Chhoo Mantar | | Punjabi |
| 2007 | Wagah | | Punjabi |
| 2008 | Hashar | | Punjabi |
| 2009 | Akhiyaan Udeekdian | | Punjabi |
| 2010 | Bhavnao Ko Samjho | | Hindi |
| 2010 | Muskurake Dekh Zara | | Punjabi |
| 2010 | Panjaban | | Punjabi |
| 2010 | Simran | | Punjabi |
| 2011 | Welcome to Punjab | | Punjabi |
| 2011 | Naughty @ 40 | | Hindi |
| 2011 | Ready | Lehri | Hindi |
| 2013 | Dil Sada Luteya Gaya | | Punjabi |
| 2013 | Boss | Metal Man | Hindi |
| 2014 | Jai Ho | Pandit | Hindi |
| 2016 | Great Grand Masti | Ramse | Hindi |
| 2017 | Munna Michael | Inspector Shinde | Hindi |
| 2019 | Total Dhamaal | Altaaf | Hindi |
| 2019 | Tara Mira | | Punjabi |
| 2019 | Ardab Mutiyaran | Bittu Bansal | Punjabi |
| 2022 | Nikamma | Suresh Trivedi | Hindi |
| 2023 | Dream Girl 2 | Baby Baba | Hindi |
| 2025 | Badass Ravi Kumar | Rocky | Hindi |

## Television shows
### Television series

| Year | Show | Role(s) | Notes |
| 2007 | The Great Indian Laughter Challenge III | Himself | 2nd Runner-up |
| 2007 | Dekh India Dekh | Himself | |
| 2008–2014 | Comedy Circus | Himself | |
| 2014–15 | Comedy Classes | Various characters | |
| 2015–2017 | Comedy Nights Bachao | Host and various characters | |
| 2016 | Comedy Nights Live | Various characters | |
| 2017–2018 | The Drama Company | Various characters | |
| 2021 | The Kapil Sharma Show | Various characters | |
| 2024 | Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment | Himself | |