Johnny Lever Birthday: The journey from selling pens to becoming the 'Comedy King' of Bollywood

In Hindi cinema, the hero and heroine may be considered the main attraction, but many times the supporting characters win the hearts of the audience with their acting. Especially when that character is full of humor. There is a long list of comedians in Bollywood, but one name always comes on the top among them, Johnny Lever. With his unique timing, expressions, and mimicry, he brought life to hundreds of films and earned the title of 'Comedy King'. Today, on the occasion of his birthday (Johnny Lever birthday), let us know interesting stories related to his life.

Childhood and studies

Johnny Lever's real name is John Prakash Rao Janumala. He was born on 14 August 1957 (Johnny Lever birth date) in a Telugu Christian family (Johnny Lever Family) in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Due to poor financial conditions, he could not continue his studies (Johnny Lever Education) after seventh grade.

The journey started by selling pens

Poverty soon made him realize his responsibilities. To help his family, he started selling pens on the streets. But even here his specialty remained hidden. He used to sell pens while mimicking film stars and telling jokes. Earlier, when he used to earn 25-30 rupees daily (Johnny Lever's first salary), with the flavour of mimicry and comedy, his earnings reached 250-300 rupees per day.

How did the nickname 'Lever' come to be?

Johnny's father (Johnny Lever Father) worked in Hindustan Lever. With the help of his father, Johnny also got a job there. Along with lifting heavy drums with ease, he used to make his colleagues laugh a lot with comedy and acting. Impressed by his mimicry, the company boss gave him the name 'Johnny Lever' (Johnny Lever Real Name), which later became his identity.

First break and film journey

Johnny Lever started his career as a stand-up comedian. Once during a stage show, Sunil Dutt noticed him and gave Johnny his first chance in the film Dard Ka Rishta (1982). After this he never looked back. His major films include Raja Hindustani, Judaai, Chalbaaz, Baazigar, Yes Boss, Karan Arjun, Ishq, Aunty No. 1, Dulhan Raja and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Story related to Ajay Devgan

Ajay Devgan told in an interview that after the film Raju Chacha, which was a flop, Johnny Lever did not take a single penny in his next film All the Best to compensate for the loss. Johnny said, "Raju Chacha had suffered a loss, yet you gave me money, now I will not take money for All the Best." This generosity of his is still considered an example in the film industry.

More famous than Shah Rukh Khan

In an interview, Johnny Lever said that during Baazigar in 1993, he was more famous than Shah Rukh Khan. At that time, Shahrukh was an emerging star while Johnny had already become a star. He praised Shah Rukh's hard work and said that he has rarely seen such a hardworking actor. Shah Rukh improved his dance and action weaknesses with hard work and achieved success.

Films

Johnny Lever Comedy Scenes

FAQs

1. How old is Johnny Lever?
Johnny Lever was born on 14 August 1957, and in 2025, his age is 67 years.

2. What is the name of Johnny Lever's wife?
Johnny Lever's wife's name is Sujata Lever.

3. Who is Johnny Lever's daughter?
Johnny Lever's daughter's name is Jamie Lever, who is a comedian and actress.

4. When was Johnny Lever born?
Johnny Lever was born on 14 August 1957.

5. What is the real name of Johnny Lever?
Johnny Lever's real name is John Prakash Rao Janumala.

6. Who is Sujatha Lever?
Sujatha Lever is Johnny Lever's wife and she stays away from the limelight.

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