In a country that loves to laugh, it is ironic that there are not many actors who serve the comedy genre to its truest potential. It is only now that we are experiencing an influx of comedians through stand-up. For the longest time though, we laughed with legends such as Mehmood, Kader Khan and, of course, the legendary Johnny Lever. Indeed, if there was someone who held the stage and captured your attention (and your funny bone), making you want more, it was Lever.
Starting off as a labourer with Hindustan Unilever, where his father worked as well, to being the legend that he is today, his story is truly inspiring.
Comedy is tougher than other genres, mainly because it demands originality, it requires the artiste’s distinctive contribution to make it his or her own, and, most importantly, it calls for impeccable timing. Lever got all these right. Comedy was not considered serious business in the ’80s and ’90s. In an interview, Lever shared that it was considered ‘unsophisticated’ for clubs to give comedians a platform to perform when he began.
But, with his comic turns, Lever added a distinctive layer to every film. From memorable performances in iconic movies in the ’90s such as Baazigar (1993), Judaai (1997), and Ishq (1997); or the latter, Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), and Golmaal 3 (2010); to today posting Instagram reels and posts with his daughter Jamie, Lever has never ceased to do one thing he’s unbeatable at – comedy.
The two-time Filmfare Award winner set the ball rolling pretty early on in his career; he was one of the first stand-up comedians in India. What makes the Comedy King, as he is fondly called, one of the best? He ability to turn even a simple situation into something hilarious by adding his own filter to it. The Anarkali scene in Baazigar, and, of course, the unforgettable Abba Dabba Jabba scene in Judaai, are so iconic that they stay with you for the longest time.
Today, with over 300 movies in his kitty, Lever is still pursuing his passion like it’s new, giving us his, very necessary, dose of laughs.
Starting off as a labourer with Hindustan Unilever, where his father worked as well, to being the legend that he is today, his story is truly inspiring.
Comedy is tougher than other genres, mainly because it demands originality, it requires the artiste’s distinctive contribution to make it his or her own, and, most importantly, it calls for impeccable timing. Lever got all these right. Comedy was not considered serious business in the ’80s and ’90s. In an interview, Lever shared that it was considered ‘unsophisticated’ for clubs to give comedians a platform to perform when he began.
But, with his comic turns, Lever added a distinctive layer to every film. From memorable performances in iconic movies in the ’90s such as Baazigar (1993), Judaai (1997), and Ishq (1997); or the latter, Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), and Golmaal 3 (2010); to today posting Instagram reels and posts with his daughter Jamie, Lever has never ceased to do one thing he’s unbeatable at – comedy.
The two-time Filmfare Award winner set the ball rolling pretty early on in his career; he was one of the first stand-up comedians in India. What makes the Comedy King, as he is fondly called, one of the best? He ability to turn even a simple situation into something hilarious by adding his own filter to it. The Anarkali scene in Baazigar, and, of course, the unforgettable Abba Dabba Jabba scene in Judaai, are so iconic that they stay with you for the longest time.
Today, with over 300 movies in his kitty, Lever is still pursuing his passion like it’s new, giving us his, very necessary, dose of laughs.
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