Johnny Lever (born January 7, 1950) is an actor in Bollywood known as a comedian of great regard who has appeared in dozens of films since the 1980s playing comic supporting roles. He was born as John Rao in Amkam village in the Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh.
Life & Career
Johnny started off as a comedian in real life while still at school. His beginnings as a comedian in his village were mainly comprised of imitations of his teachers, his father and his grandfather. He could not study much though and dropped out of school when he was in seventh grade.
Johnny Lever is a very successful comedian and he was never discouraged. He got his first break in Indian cinema was in the film Dard Ka Rishta, thanks to the late Sunil Dutt, who saw him perform at a charity show organised by Kalyanji-Anandji. Since then, Johnny has worked in more than 160 films.
Even though he mimics many people, he has created a style of his own which makes him unique. As a person, he is very close to his family that comprises of his wife and one child. His younger brother Jimmy Moses, is too, a comedian and mimicry artist.
He now stars on Zee TV on his own show called Johny Aala Re, (which has now ended).
National Anthem Controversy
On December 8, 1998, Johnny Lever was convicted and sentenced to seven days imprisonment for disrespect to the Indian National Anthem and Indian Constitution during a private performance in Dubai. According to the Police, this private performance was on the occasion of birthday party of the son of Anis Ibrahim, brother of international smuggler and terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. Tribune Article
Filmography
Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin (2006) (Post-Production)
Aur Phir Ek Din (2006) (Stuck/On Hold)
Nidar – The Fearless (2006) (Post-Production)
Sandwich(film) (2006) (Released)
Kaash… Mere Hote (2006) (To Go On Floor)
Bekasoor? (2006) (Stuck/On Hold)
Chashmebahadur (2006) (Released)
Mr Tikdambaaz (2006) (Post-Production)
Zinda Dil (2006) (Stuck/On Hold)
Phir Hera Pheri (June 9, 2006) (Released) …… Munnabhai
36 China Town (May 5, 2006) (Released) …… KK
Saawan – The Love Season (April 6, 2006) (Under Production)
Banana Brothers* (March 17, 2006) (Released)
Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai(February 24, 2006) (Released)
Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? (February 17, 2006) (Released)
Deewane Huye Paagal (November 25, 2005) (Released) …… Murgan
Khullam Khulla Pyaar Kare (April 29, 2005) (Released) …… Pashabhai
Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav (January 28, 2005) (Released) …… Yadav
Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin (2005) (Released) …… Chitra Gupta
Aabra Ka Daabra (December 24, 2004) (Released)
Hatya – The Murderer (October 15, 2004) (Released)
God Only Knows (January 16, 2004) (Released) …… Road Babe
Janasheen (November 28, 2003) (Released) …… Johnny Chen
Market (September 12, 2003) (Released)
Koi Mil Gaya (August 8, 2003) (Released) …… Chelaram Sukhwani
Aisaa Kyon (August 8, 2003) (Released)
Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (June 27, 2003) (Released) …… Johnny
Chalte Chalte (June 13, 2003) (Released) …… Nandu (The Roadside Drunk)
Andaaz (May 23, 2003) (Released) …… G.I. Joe (As Johny Lever)
Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai (May 9, 2003) (Released)
Indian Babu(March 7, 2003) (Released)
Kaash Aap Hamare Hote (February 14, 2003) ….. Native Indian Black Face
Khushi(February 7, 2003) (Released)…..Milestone
Kucch To Hai (January 24, 2003) (Released) …..Popatlal (As Johny Lever)
Chalo Ishq Ladaaye ([[December 27, 2002) (Released)
Karz - The Burden Of Truth (December 6, 2002)..... Juggi
Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar November 15, 2002 (Released) .....Natwar
Annarth (November 1, 2002 .....Ben Bose, Music Director
Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat(September 13, 2002 (Released)...Paajal
Jaani Dushman August 16, 2002) (Released) ...... Parwana
Humraaz(July 5, 2002) (Released) ...... Mr. Darshan
Awara Paagal Deewana (June 21, 2002 (Released)...Chhota Chhatri
Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai(April 26, 2002) (Released) ...... Paresh Chaval (Painter)
Badmash No.1 (April 26, 2002) (Released)
Angaar -The Fire(April 5, 2002) (Released)
Tumko Na Bhool PaayengeFebruary 22, 2002) (Released) ...... Pakhandee Baba
Yeh Mohabbat HaiFebruary 8, 2002) (Released) ...... Jaggi
Yeh Dil AashiqanaaJanuary 18, 2002) (Released)
Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare2002) (Released) ...... Subramaniam
Aamdani Athanni Kharcha Rupaiya (December 21, 2001) (Released) ...... Appu Khote
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (December 14, 2001) (Released)
Arjun Devaa (November 23, 2001) (Released)
Asoka (October 26, 2001) (Released) ...... Magadha Soldier
Dial 100 (October 5, 2001) (Released)
Ajnabee (September 22, 2001) (Released) ...... Banu Pradhan (B.P.)
Nayak(September 7, 2001) (Released) ...... TV Cameraman
Lajja (August 31, 2001) (Released)
Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (June 29, 2001) (Released) ...... Aslam Bhai
[[Censor] (April 6, 2001) (Released) …… Vikramjeet’S First Assistant
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (March 9, 2001) (Released) …… Pappu Bhai
Aashiq (January 26, 2001) (Released)
Farz (January 12, 2001) (Released)
Raju Chacha (December 20, 2000) (Released) …… Jaddu
Aaghaaz* (October 6, 2000) (Released) …… Rajni Deva
Shikari* (October 6, 2000) (Released) …… Jafrani Sindhi Businessman
Fiza* (September 8, 2000) (Released) …… Laughing Club Comic
Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (August 24, 2000) (Released) …… Chatterjee
Deewane (August 11, 2000) (Released) …… Okay
Joru Ka Ghulam (June 16, 2000) (Released) …… Kanhaiya
Hum To Mohabbat KaregaMay 26, 2000) (Released) …… Kutti
Dil Hi Dil Mein (April 21, 2000) (Released)
Badal (February 11, 2000) (Released) …… Guler Mehndi
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (January 21, 2000) (Released) …… Pappu Junior
Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (January 15, 2000) (Released) …… Tour Manager Chirkund
Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (January 14, 2000) (Released) …… Inspector Parab
Mela (January 7, 2000) (Released) …… Inspector Pakkad Singh
Kunwara (2000) (Released) …… Gopal
Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal (2000) (Released)
Beti No.1 (2000) (Released) …… Mulayamchand ‘Mullu’
Meri Jung Ka Elaan (2000) (Released)
Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000) (Released) …… Maggi
Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000) (Released) …… Father/Son Lawyer Team
Jwalamukhi (2000) (Released)
Krodh (2000) (Released) …… Prem
Jaanwar (December 23, 1999) (Released) …… Bajrangi
Khoobsurat (November 26, 1999) (Released) …… Special Appearance (Song)
Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain (September 24, 1999) (Released) …… Sattu
Hello Brother (September 10, 1999) (Released) …… Havaldar Hatella
Baadshah (August 27, 1999) (Released) …… Ramlal
Sirf Tum (June 11, 1999) (Released) …… Niranjan
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (April 16, 1999) (Released) …… Johnny
Anari No. 1 (April 9, 1999) (Released) …… Daler Mehndi
International Khiladi (March 26, 1999) (Released) …… Focus
Laawaris (March 5, 1999) (Released) …… Gaflet
Daag-The Fire (February 12, 1999) (Released) …… Sundar
Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (January 22, 1999) (Released)
Benaam (1999) (Released) …… Munna Mobile
Dulhan Banoo Mein Teri (1999) (Released)
Ganga Ki Kasam (1999) (Released)
Heeralal Pannalal (1999) (Released) …… Heeralal (Double Role)
Wajood (December 11, 1998) (Released) …… Inspector Rahim Khan
Soldier (November 20, 1998) (Released) …… Mohan/Sohan (As Johny Lever)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (October 16, 1998) (Released) …… Col. Almeida, Camp Manager
Tirchhi Topiwale (September 11, 1998) (Released) …… Kadak K. Pillay
Barood(August 7, 1998) (Released) …… Presenter
Iski Topi Uske Sar (July 17, 1998) (Released) …… Gabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo
Kareeb (July 17, 1998) (Released) …… Bighe Laal
Dulhe Raja (July 10, 1998) (Released) …… Bankhey (Hotel Manager)
Achanak (June 12, 1998) (Released) …… Joni
Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (May 22, 1998) (Released) …… Mahesh
Mard (May 15, 1998) (Released)
Jiyaala (May 1, 1998) (Released)
Aunty No. 1 (May 1, 1998) (Released)
Keemat: They Are Back (April 10, 1998) (Released) …… Sub Inspector Ultappan (As Johney Lever)
Aakrosh: Cyclone Of Anger (April 3, 1998) (Released) …… Gopi
Ustadon Ke Ustad (March 20, 1998) (Released)
Miss 420 (January 23, 1998) (Released) …… Tony Fernandes
Yeh Aashiqui Meri (January 16, 1998) (Released)
Barsat Ki Raat (1998) (Released)
Ishq (November 28, 1997) (Released) …… Ranjit’S Brother-In-Law
Deewana Mastana (October 10, 1997) (Released) …… Ghafoor
Mr And Mrs Khiladi (October 10, 1997) (Released) …… Bandaged Patient On Street
Krishna Arjun (October 1, 1997) (Released)
Judge Mujrim (September 12, 1997) (Released)
Yes Boss (July 18, 1997) (Released) …… Madaman
Do Aankhen Barah Haath (July 11, 1997) (Released)
Koyla (April 18, 1997) (Released) …… Shanker’S Friend
Agni Morcha (April 4, 1997) (Released)
Himalyaputra (April 4, 1997) (Released) …… Joe
Kaalia(March 28, 1997) (Released)
Judaai (February 28, 1997) (Released) …… Hiralal
Auzaar (February 28, 1997) (Released) …… Peter
Ghunghat (1997) (Released)
Daayen (1997) (Released)
Jodidar (1997) (Released)
Dushman Duniya Ka (November 22, 1996) (Released)
Raja Hindustani (November 15, 1996) (Released) …… Balvant Singh
Sapoot (November 8, [[1996) (Released)
Bhishma (July 26, 1996) (Released) …… Natwar
Daraar (July 5, 1996) (Released) …… Hari (As Johny Lever)
Hahakar (July 5, 1996) (Released) …… Chamcha
Himmatwar (June 14, 1996) (Released)
Jaan (May 17, 1996) (Released) …… Damru
Haqeeqat (December 29, 1995) (Released) …… Tony
Ram Shastra (November 9, 1995) (Released) …… Raja
Rock Dancer (November 3, 1995) (Released) …… Police Inspector
Criminal (August 4, 1995) (Released)
Karan Arjun (January 13, [[1995[[) (Released) …… Lenghaiya
Dilbar (1995) (Released)
Inteqam Ke Sholey (1995) (Released)
Mr Azad (December 23, 1994) (Released)
Yaar Ghaddar (November 4, 1994) (Released) …… Police Inspector
Criminal (October 14, 1994) (Released)
Main Khiladi Tu Anadi (September 23, 1994) (Released) …… Dhansukh
Prem Yog(August 23, 1994) (Released)
Juaari (July 8, 1994) (Released)
Ekka Raja Rani (June 24, 1994) (Released) …… Guruji (Dancemaster)
Saajan Ka Ghar (April 29, 1994) (Released)
Anjaam (April 22, 1994) (Released) …… Champa Chameli
Kanoon (April 1, 1994) (Released)
Zamane Se Kya Darna (January 14, 1994) (Released)
Mahakaal (1994) (Released)
Masti (1994) (Released)
Bhagyawan (December 10, 1993) (Released)
Aulad Ke Dushman (December 3, 1993) (Released) …… Johny
Baazigar (November 12, 1993) (Released) …… Babulal
Santan (November 12, 1993) (Released)
Anmol (August 27, 1993) (Released) …… Himself (Special Appearance)
Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (April 16, 1993) (Released)
Anari (March 26, 1993) (Released)
Aansoo Bane Angaarey (1993) (Released)
Yugandhar (1993) (Released)
Teri Payal Meree Geet (1993) (Released)
Insaaniyat Ke Devta 1993) (Released) …… Muthuswamy
Chamatkar (July 8, 1992) (Released) …… Cricket Commentator
Humla (May 29, 1992) (Released) …… Shiva’S Friend
Khiladi (January 5, 1992) (Released) …… Anna Pillai
Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge (1992) (Released)
Jungle Ka Beta (1992) (Released)
Narsimha (July 5, 1991) (Released) …… Tempo Dada
Vishnu Deva (February 15, 1991) (Released) …… Havaldar #1
Ajooba Kudrat Ka (1991) (Released)
Raeeszada (1991) (Released)
Bandh Darwaza (June 1, 1990) (Released)
Kishen Kanhaiya (March 9, 1990) (Released) …… Lobo
Khatarnak (1990) (Released)
Kafan (1990) (Released)
Main Azad Hoon(December 15, 1989) (Released) …… Protester (Uncredited)
Chalbaaz (December 8, 1989) (Released) …… Special Appearance
Kala Bazar (October 6, 1989) (Released)
Jaadugar (August 25, 1989) (Released) …… Nilkant
Mujrim(June 28, 1989) (Released) …… Shankar’S PA
Ilaaka (May 12, 1989) (Released)
Suryaa (February 10, 1989) (Released)
Tezaab (November 10, 1988) (Released)
Hero Hiralal (October 21, 1988) (Released)
Aakhri Adalat (June 10, 1988) (Released) …… Havaldar
Hatya (June 3, 1988) (Released)
Kasam (April 15, 1988) (Released)
Ghar Mei Ram Gali Mein Shyam (January 15, 1988) (Released) …… Srivastav’S Servant
Jalwa (1987) (Released) …… Muthu (The Masseur)
Main Balwan (November 28, 1986) (Released)
Love 86 (February 14, 1986) (Released) …… Uttam (As Johny Lever)
Tum Par Hum Quarban (1985) (Released)
Ek Nai Paheli (June 29, 1984) (Released)
Yeh Rishta Na Toote (July 30, 1981) (Released)
Playback Singer
Aamdani Athanni Kharcha Rupaiya (December 21, 2001) (Released)
Achanak (June 12, 1998) (Released)
Ravan Raaj (June 23, 1995) (Released)
Chalbaaz (December 8, 1989) (Released)
