'Good Comedy Needs The Perfect Combination': Johny Lever Looks Back On 45 Years Of His Cinematic Journey
He can be termed the only legend among comedians after the icons. John Prakashrao Janumala, known to us as Johny Lever, turned 70 on August 14, and this free spirit explains his longevity also to the fact that he has enjoyed his work for over 45 years in cinema alone. But there are other reasons too, as we shall find out. Excerpts from the interview: Congratulations, Johny bhai , on completing 70…
Johny Lever, the renowned comedian, recently celebrated his 70th birthday, marking over 45 years of success in the film industry. Despite his fame, Lever remains humble, attributing his longevity to his love for the craft. He reminisced about his humble beginnings as a factory worker, expressing gratitude for the talent bestowed upon him and his dedication to his work, just as diligent as in his first film.
Lever credits his mentor, Kalyanji-Anandji, for shaping his career, even when he was unfamiliar with the workings of a camera. He also shared memorable experiences working with other legendary composers like Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R.D. Burman, and Bappi Lahiri. Lever's performances in films like Dushmun Duniyaa Kaa, directed by Mehmood, and his role in Dev Anand's film remain cherished memories.
He has not confined himself to comedy, having taken on a serious role in the recent film I Want to Talk, but he remains devoted to his comedic craft. Lever believes that national recognitions like awards or the Padma Awards do not elude him due to the lightness with which comedy is often treated. He emphasizes that the love and appreciation of the audience are more valuable than any accolade.
Lever's career has seen its ups and downs, with a significant turning point being the 1993 film Baazigar, which opened doors for him. He attributes his continued success to the perfect combination of a talented director, a strong script, and skilled performers. He expressed admiration for contemporary comedians like Priyadarshan and Rohit Shetty, praising their dedication and unique approaches to comedy.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
