Johnny Lever Early Life, Career, Family, Age, Facts, Affairs, Personal Life, Wiki, Controversies, Film, Filmography

BIRTHDAY:- 14 August, 1957

BIRTH PLACE:- Kanigiri , Andhra Pradesh

COUNTRY:- India

AGE:- (in 2018) 61 Years Old

BIRTH SIGN:- Leo

HEIGHT:- in centimeters- 175 cm

in meters- 1.75 m

in Feet Inches- 5’ 8”

WEIGHT:- in Kilograms- 68 kg

in Pounds- 149.91 lbs

Early life

Lever was born in a Telugu Christian family, to Prakash Rao Janumala, an operator in Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) plant 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. 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 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.

During a Hindustan Lever Limited company function, he mimicked a few senior officers, and from that day on, the workers said he was not John Rao but was Johnny Lever. When he later joined the film industry, he decided to keep the name.

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. 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 a few commercials for Kachua chhap incense, directed by Shekhar Kapur. 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 the audience. 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, 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[citation needed]. 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.

2010s

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

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 is married to Sujatha and has two children, a daughter Jamie who is a stand-up comedian too and a son Jesse. His younger brother, Jimmy Moses, is also a comedian and mimicry artist.

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.

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. However, he was relieved of all charges subsequently

Filmography

Films

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1981	Yeh Rishta Na Tootay
1985	Tum Par Hum Quarban
1986	Love 86	Uttam
	Main Balwaan
1987	Jalwa	Muthu (The Masseur)
1988	Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam	Srivastav's Servant
	Kasam
	Hatya	Blacksmith
	Aakhri Adalat	Havaldar
	Hero Hiralal	Police constable
	Tezaab	Kainchi choot
1989	Suryaa
	Ilaaka
	Mujrim	Shankar's PA
	Jaadugar	Nilkant
	Kala Bazar	Kutti Chai Walla
	Chaalbaaz	Johny Baba Tantrik	Special appearance
	Main Azaad Hoon	Protester	Uncredited
1990	Kafan
	Khatarnak	Police inspector	Marathi Film
	Bandh Darwaza		Special appearance
	Kishen Kanhaiya	Lobo
	Raeeszada
1991	Ajooba Kudrat Ka
	Vishnu-Devaa	Havaldar No. 1
	Narsimha	Tempo Dada
1992	Jungle Ka Beta
	Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge
	Khiladi	Anna Pillai
	Humla	Shiva's Friend
	Chamatkar	Cricket Commentator
1993	Insaniyat Ke Devta	Muthuswamy
	Teri Payal Meree Geet
	Yugandhar (1993 film)
	Aasoo Bane Angaarey
	Anari	Bablu
	Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja	Sub Inspector Rang Birangi
	Anmol	Himself	Special appearance
	Santaan	Kalia
	Baazigar	Babulal	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Aulad Ke Dushman	Johny
	Bhagyawan
1994	Masti
	Mahakaal
	Zamane Se Kya Darna
	Kanoon
	Anjaam	Champa Chameli
	Saajan Ka Ghar
	Ekka Raja Rani	Guruji (Dance master)
	Juaari	Salim Tension
	Prem Yog
	Main Khiladi Tu Anari	Dhansukh
	Criminal		Special appearance
	Yaar Ghaddar	Police Inspector
	Mr Azad
1995	Inteqam Ke Sholey
	Dilbar (1994 film)
	Karan Arjun	Linghaiyya	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Rock Dancer	Police Inspector
	Ram Shastra	Reporter Raja
	Haqeeqat	Tony
1996	Jaan	Damru
	Himmatwar
	Hahakar	Chamcha
	Daraar	Hari
	Indian	PaneerSelvam (Tamil version) Subhar Lal (Hindi version)	Dubbed in Hindi as Hindustani
	Bhishma	Natwar
	Sapoot	Deva
	Raja Hindustani	Balvant Singh	Won- Screen Award for Best Comedian Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Dushman Duniya Ka	Headmaster
1997	Jodidar	Agarbatti / Pens / Bangles / Sarees salesman
	Daayen
	Ghunghat	Pandit Vishwanat
	Judaai	Hiralal	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Auzaar	Peter
	Kaalia	Khan Dada
	Himalay Putra	Joe
	Agni Morcha
	Koyla	Shanker's Friend
	Do Ankhen Barah Hath	Rickshaw Walla
	Yes Boss	Madhav Advani, aka MAD
	Judge Mujrim	Havaldar Amar Lokhande
	Krishna Arjun	Rocky
	Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi	Bandaged patient on street
	Deewana Mastana	Ghafoor	Won- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Ishq	Ranjit's brother-in-law
1998	Barsaat Ki Raat
	Yeh Aashiqui Meri
	Miss 420	Tony Fernandes
	Ustadon Ke Ustad
	Aakrosh: Cyclone Of Anger	Gopi
	Keemat: They Are Back	Sub-Inspector Ultappan/Kirappan
	Aunty No. 1
	Jiyaala
	Mard
	Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai	Mahesh
	Achanak	Joni/Moni/Toni Kapoor
	Dulhe Raja	Bankhey (Hotel Manager)	Won- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Kareeb	Bighe Laal
	Iski Topi Uske Sar	Gabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo
	Barood	Presenter
	Tirchhi Topiwale	Kadak K. Pillay
	Kuch Kuch Hota Hai	Col. Almeida, Camp Manager	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Soldier (1998 Indian film)	Mohan/Sohan
	Wajood	Inspector Rahim Khan
1999	Heeralal Pannalal	Heeralal (Double role)
	Ganga Ki Kasam (1999 film)
	Dulhan Banoo Main Teri	Jack
	Munnibai	Kammal Khan
	Benaam	Munna Mobile
	Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain	Sunny Goyal
	Daag-The Fire	Sundar
	Laawaris	Gaflet
	International Khiladi	Focus
	Anari No. 1	Daler Mehndi	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Silsila Hai Pyar Ka	Johny
	Sirf Tum	Niranjan
	Baadshah	Ramlal
	Hello Brother	Havaldar Hatella
	Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain	Sattu
	Khoobsurat	Natwar	Special appearance in a song
	Jaanwar	Bajrangi
2000	Krodh (film)	Prem
	Jwalamukhi (2000 film)
	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	Nanhey
	Kunwara	Gopal	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Mela	Inspector Pakkad Singh
	Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai	Inspector Parab
	Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge	Tour Manager Chirkund
	Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani	Pappu Junior	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Badal	Gulel Singh Rangoli
	Dil Hi Dil Mein	College Professor Jack (Hindi version)
	Hum To Mohabbat Karega	Kutti
	Joru Ka Ghulam	Kanhaiya
	Deewane	Okay
	Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai	Chatterjee
	Fiza	Laughing Club Comic
	Shikari	Jafrani Sindhi Businessman
	Aaghaaz	Rajni Deva
	Raju Chacha	Jaddu
2001	Farz	Informer named 'Taxi'
	Aashiq
	Chori Chori Chupke Chupke	Pappu Bhai
	Censor	Vikramjeet's First Assistant
	Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega	Aslam Bhai	Won- Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role
	Lajja
	Nayak	TV Cameraman Topi
	Ajnabee	Banu Pradhan (B.P.)	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Dial 100
	Asoka	Magadha Soldier
	Arjun Devaa
	Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham	Haldiram
	Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa	Appu Khote
2002	Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare	Subramaniam
	Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa
	Yeh Mohabbat Hai	Jaggi
	Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge	Pakhandee Baba
	Angaar - The Fire
	Badmash No.1
	Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai	Paresh Chaval (Painter)
	Awara Paagal Deewana	Chhota Chhatri
	Humraaz	Mr. Darshan	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Jaani Dushman	Parwana
	Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat	Paajal
	Annarth	Ben Bose, Music Director
	Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar	Natwar
	Karz - The Burden of Truth	Juggi
	Chalo Ishq Ladaaye
2003	Kucch To Hai	Popatlal
	Khushi	Milestone
	Kaash Aap Hamare Hote	Native Indian Black Face
	Indian Babu	Principal	Special appearance
	Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai	Sandwich
	Andaaz	G. I. Joe
	Chalte Chalte	Nandu (The Roadside Drunkard)
	Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon	Johnny
	Aisaa Kyon
	Koi Mil Gaya	Chelaram Sukhwani	Nominated- Filmfare Best Comedian Award
	Market
	Janasheen	Johnny Chen
2004	God Only Knows!	Road Babe
	Hatya: The Murder	Paid Mourner
	Aabra Ka Daabra	Maneklal
2005	Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin	Chitra Gupta
	Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav	Yadav
	Navra Maza Navsacha		Marathi Film
	Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen	Pashabhai
	Deewane Huye Paagal	Murgan
2006	Aisa Kyon Hota Hai?
	Banana Brothers
	Saawan... The Love Season	Akhil Rao
	36 China Town	KK
	Phir Hera Pheri	Munna
	Chashmebahadur
	Sandwich
2007	Fool n Final	Puttu Pilot
2008	Thela No. 501
	Race	Max (The marriage bureau chief)	Special appearance
	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
	Bhavnaon Ko Samjho	Vivaah Marriage Bureau
	Prem Kaa Game	Ramnik Chedda
	Khatta Meetha	Anshuman
	Golmaal 3	Pappi Bhai
2011	Love Mein Ghum	Sukhia	Pakistani film
	Yamla Pagla Deewana	Jeweller
	Anbirkku Alavillai	Johnny Bhai
	Masti Express
	Bin Bulaye Baraati	Sajjan Singh
	Tell Me O Khuda	Pandurang P.
2012	Players	MC
	Chaar Din Ki Chandni	Paan Singh
	Housefull 2	Vishwas Patil
	Deewana Main Deewana	Husband
	Khiladi 786	Inspector Bhalerao Kambli
	Savior
2013	Yamla Pagla Deewana 2	Bunty
	Boss	Zorawar Singh
	Singh Saab the Great	Gulwinder
2014	Santa Banta
	Entertainment	Habibulla
	My Father Godfather		Youtube short film
	Rang	Guest Role	Tulu film
2015	Dilwale	Mani Bhai
2017	Machine	Darpan Gopal
	Pappa Tamne Nahi Samjaay		Gujarati Film
	Judwaa 2	Pappu Passport
	Golmaal Again	Pappi Bhai
2018	Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se	TBA
2018	Total Dhamaal	TBA

Playback singer

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

Television

Year	Title	Role	Channel	Notes
1993	Zabaan Sambhalke	Johnny Utolandand	DD Metro	Episode 29
2006	Johny Aala Re	Host/presenter	Zee TV
2007	Comedy Circus	Himself (Judge)	Sony Entertainment Television
2017	Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double	Gogol Chatterjee/Khabri Murgai	SAB TV	Double role

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