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), and Dulhe Raja (1998). He began his career in 1984, and has acted in more tha
n three hundred Bollywood films.[4][5]
Lever is one of India's highly respected actors and has a huge fan following tha
t includes many big celebrities. He has been given many awards for his contribut
ion to Indian Cinema.
Contents [hide]
1
Early life
2
Education and early jobs
3
Coining of his stage name - Johnny Lever
4
Entertainment career
5
Film career
5.1
1980s
5.2
1990s
5.3
2010s
6
Television career
7
Personal life
8
Controversies
9
Filmography
9.1
Playback singer
10
Awards
11
See also
12
References
13
External links
Early life[edit]
Lever was born in a Telugu Christian family,[6] to Prakash Rao Janumala, an oper
ator in Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) plant[7] and Karunamma Janumala in Prakasam, A
ndhra 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 t
hree sisters and two brothers (including his younger brother Jimmy Moses).
Education and early jobs[edit]
Lever studied in Andhra education society English high school[9] till the sevent
h 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 Hyde
rabad where he learnt the unique style of comedy acting.[10]
Coining of his stage name - Johnny Lever[edit]
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 nam
e.[11]
Entertainment career[edit]
He started to perform stand-up comedy in musical shows (orchestras), Tabassum Hi
t Parade and after earning fame, joined the group of Kalyanji-Anandji, a legenda
ry music direction duo. Even before joining Hindustan Lever, he was giving stage
performances. As because of his growing absenteeisms and since he was earning w
ell from stage shows, he quit HLL in the year 1981. He did a lot of shows and wo
rld tours with them, one of his first big tours being with Amitabh Bachchan in 1
982. 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, direct
ed 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 audi
ence. His talent was recognised, which resulted in producer Gul Anand offering h
im a film called Jalwa alongside Naseeruddin Shah.[12][13]
Film career[edit]
1980s[edit]
Lever got his first break in Tum Par Hum Qurban in which the famous TV and stage
compre and yesteryears actress Baby Tabassum launched her son Hoshang Govil as t
he leading man, and then with the film Dard Ka Rishta, thanks to Tabassum and th
e late Sunil Dutt. Since then, he has acted in more than 350 films including fil
ms like Tezaab, Kasam, Khatarnak and Kishen Kanhaiya . After Dard Ka Rishta, he
was seen in Jalwa with Naseeruddin Shah.
1990s[edit]
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 con
tinued to do live shows. One of his most memorable live performances was an impe
rsonation of Michael Jackson at the 1999 Filmfare Awards. His most acclaimed per
formance 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 "Ch
otta Chattri", "Aslam Bhai", etc. His performance in the film, Judaai and his di
alogue in the movie, Abba Dabba Jabba are also notable.[14]
2010s[edit]
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 Alavill
ai[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 B
ollywood director Mahesh Bhatt.[17]
Television career[edit]
Lever also appeared on Zee TV in his own show, Johny Aala Re.[18] In 2007, he ap
peared 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 pres
ident of MAAM (Mimicry Artist Association Mumbai), and has done thousands of liv
e shows all over the world. His younger brother, Jimmy Moses, is also a comedian
and mimicry artist.[19]
Personal life[edit]
He is married to Sujatha and has two children, a daughter Jamie who is a stand-u
p 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 can
cer had vanished. It was the beginning of a new life for me.[21]
Controversies[edit]
In 1998, Lever was convicted and sentenced to seven days imprisonment for disres
pecting the Indian National Anthem, constitution and the flag at a private funct
ion 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 subs
equently.
Filmography[edit]
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 H
industani 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)
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 rel
eased
Playback singer[edit]
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 Decem
ber 2001
Awards[edit]
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[edit]
Authority control
WorldCat Identities VIAF: 29175840
Categories: Indian male film actorsMale actors in Hindi cinemaIndian stand-up co
medians1957 birthsLiving peopleTelugu peopleFilmfare Awards winnersIndian Christ
iansPeople from Prakasam districtIndian expatriate male actors in Pakistan
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