Basic Details
From the alleys of Dharavi to the heights of Bollywood fame, Johny Lever embodies the magic of Hindi comedy. Born John Prakash Rao Janumala on 14 August 1957 in Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh, johny lever faced financial hardships and left school after the seventh grade. His talent for mimicry, honed while selling pens and entertaining colleagues, led to a breakthrough—performing at a Hindustan Lever factory function and earning his iconic stage name. Starting with stage shows and stand-up comedy, he transitioned to films, forever changing India’s comedy landscape. Keep reading to discover johny lever’s age, his inspirational journey, his film career, family, and legacy.
Physical Stats and More
- Height
5′ 5″ (165 cm)
- Weight
Not Published
- Eye Colour
Black
- Hair Colour
Black
Biography
Raised in Mumbai’s King’s Circle and neighboring Dharavi, johny lever overcame poverty by using his comedic talents—selling pens and entertaining passersby. Inspired by legends like Johnny Walker, Mehmood, and stalwarts such as Dinesh Hingoo, johny lever began performing professionally after 1981, touring with Kalyanji–Anandji and Amitabh Bachchan
Relationships & More
Career
The Bollywood Comedy Icon
Johny Lever (real name John Prakash Rao Janumala) started his career on stage with stand-up and mimicry before transitioning to films in the early 1980s . He auditioned at Hindustan Lever functions, earning his screen name “Lever” and launching into Bollywood from there
First movie: Tum Par Hum Qurban (1984), followed by Dard Ka Rishta—discovered by Sunil Dutt.
Breakthrough role: Baazigar (1993) as Babulal, which cemented his status as a top-tier comic actor.
🌟 Iconic Roles & Filmography Highlights
Over a prolific career spanning 300+ films:
Recent work: Still active with roles in Lantrani (2024), Housefull 5 (2025), and De De Pyaar De 2 (2025)
90s & early 2000s: Memorable characters in Khiladi (1992), Deewana Mastana (1997), Dulhe Raja (1998), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) .
Blockbusters: Appeared in hits like Golmaal Again (2017), Total Dhamaal (2019), Housefull 4 (2019), and Dilwale (2015)
Regional cinema: Has worked across Indian film industries—in Tamil (Anbirkku Alavillai, 2011), Tulu (Rang, 2014), Telugu and Kannada films too
Other Details
- Hobbies
Mimicry, Stand‑up Comedy, Music, Charity
- Favourite Actress
Rekha
- Favourite Actors
Amitabh Bachchan
- Favourite Movies
Not widely publicized.
- Favourite Dishes
Not widely publicized.
- Zodiac Sign
Leo
- Caste
Telugu Christian
- Religion
Christianity
Contributions Beyond Work
As CINTAA President, johny lever champions actors’ rights, speaks out on industry issues, and advocates for charity and community service through his stand-up and public appearances
The Legacy of Johny Lever
From humble beginnings to being hailed as the pioneer of stand-up comedy in Bollywood, johny lever’s journey is a testament to persistence and talent. His memorable characters and live performances continue to inspire generations. What’s your favorite johny lever movie moment? Share below!
Other Facts:
Education: Andhra education society English high school until the seventh grade
Married Life: He married Sujatha Lever in 1984
- Interesting Facts:
- Johny Lever got his iconic surname from performing mimicry at a Hindustan Lever Ltd. event, where he used to work as a laborer.
- He never formally studied beyond 7th grade, yet speaks multiple languages including Hindi, Telugu, English, and Marathi fluently.
- Before entering films, he gained popularity through his stand-up performances on stage alongside legendary music duo Kalyanji-Anandji.
- Despite being known for comedy, Johny Lever is deeply spiritual and attributes his son’s recovery from cancer to his Christian faith.
- His daughter, Jamie Lever, is also a stand-up comedian and actress, following closely in his comedic footsteps.
- He was one of the first few Indian comedians to perform live stand-up comedy internationally during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Johny Lever’s mimicry skills are so sharp that he was once mistaken for a real actor while imitating him on stage.
- He served as the President of Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), advocating for fair treatment of artists in the film industry.
- Johny Lever got his iconic surname from performing mimicry at a Hindustan Lever Ltd. event, where he used to work as a laborer.
| Real Name | John Prakash Rao Janumala |
| Born | 14 August 1957 (age 68 years) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations | Actor |
| Year Active | 1984 - Present |
| Signature |