The Indian actor and comedian Johny Lever was born on 14 August 1957 (68 years old) in Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.
His real name is John Prakash Rao Janumala.
He works mainly in Hindi cinema and is best known for his comedy roles in Bollywood films.
He started his film career in the 1980s and later became one of the most recognized comic actors in Indian films.
Many viewers know him for his roles in films such as Baazigar, Koi… Mil Gaya, Deewana Mastana, and Dulhe Raja.
He has also won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role two times, for Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja.
Quick Facts Of Johny Lever
| Full Name | John Prakash Rao Janumala |
| Profession | Actor and comedian |
| Age | 68 years old |
| Date of Birth | 14 August 1957 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Gender | Male |
Johny Lever Early Life and Education
Johnny Lever was born in Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh. Raised in the impoverished Dharavi slums of Mumbai, financial hardships forced him to drop out of school in the seventh grade.
He worked odd jobs, such as selling pens on the street, while developing his signature mimicry and stand-up skills. While working as a labourer at Hindustan Unilever’s plant in Mumbai, he regularly performed at company events.
His coworkers affectionately began calling him “Johnny Lever,” a name he carried into his acting career. He honed his craft by mimicking Bollywood celebrities while selling pens on the streets.
His street and musical-show performances eventually caught the attention of the legendary actor Sunil Dutt, who offered him his first film break in Dard Ka Rishta (1982).
Education
Johny Lever attended the Andhra Education Society English High School but had to leave his formal studies in the 7th grade due to poverty.
| School | Andhra Education Society English High School |
| Alma Mater | Yet to be updated |
| Highest Qualification | Studied till seventh grade |
Johny Lever Personal Life
Johny Lever is married to Sujatha Johnrao Janumala. Their marriage took place in 1984. The couple prefers to keep a low profile, but celebrated 42 years of marriage. Sujatha has always stayed out of the media spotlight, but Johny frequently credits her as his anchor and biggest inspiration.
Children
Johny Lever has two children.
- Jamie Lever: Following in her father’s footsteps, Jamie is a well-known stand-up comedian and actress. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Communications from the University of Westminster, London.
- Jesse Lever: Jesse is a musician and actor who occasionally works in films and has made appearances on stage with his father.
Family
The family came from a Telugu Christian family in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.
Father
His father, Prakash Rao Janumala, worked as an operator at the Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) plant.
Mother
His mother’s name is Karunamma Janumala, was a homemaker.
Siblings
Johny Lever is the eldest of six siblings in a close-knit family, which includes three sisters and two brothers. His younger brothers are also well-known in the entertainment industry.
- Jimmy Moses: Johny’s most prominent brother, he is a well-known stand-up comedian, mimicry artist, and playback singer who has been active in Bollywood and television for decades.
- Benny Lever: Another younger brother, who is a comedian and entertainer. His sister’s name is Daisy Lever. And other siblings’ details are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Sujatha Johnrao Janumala |
| Children | Son: Jesse Lever Daughter: Jamie Lever |
| Parents | Father: Prakash Rao Janumala Mother: Karunamma Janumala |
| Siblings | Brother: Jimmy Moses, Benny Lever Sister: Daisy Lever |
Johny Lever Career
Johny Lever began his career as a mimicry artist and stage comedian before becoming one of Hindi cinema’s best-known comedy actors. Over the years, he worked in live shows, Hindi films, television shows, OTT series, and comedy franchises.
He has acted in more than 300 films and has worked with many leading actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Raveena Tandon, Juhi Chawla, Anil Kapoor, and others.
Stage comedy and early work, 1981 to 1982
Johny Lever first became active through mimicry and stage shows. He performed in musical shows and later joined Tabassum Hit Parade. After gaining attention, he worked with the music director duo Kalyanji-Anandji. He also did one of his early big live tours with Amitabh Bachchan in 1982.
During this stage, he also recorded the comedy cassette Hasi Ke Hangame. This helped his comedy reach more people through audio. He also appeared in commercials, including an ad for Kachua Chhap incense directed by Shekhar Kapur.
Early film entry, 1981 to 1987
Johny Lever slowly entered Hindi films in the 1980s. Bollywood Hungama lists his early films as Yeh Rishta Na Tootay in 1981, Ek Nai Paheli in 1984, Tum Par Hum Qurban in 1985, Love 86 in 1986, and Main Balwan in 1986.
In 1987, he appeared in Jalwa. The film helped him get more attention as a comic actor, and he worked with Naseeruddin Shah. This period was important because he moved from stage shows to regular film work.
Supporting comedy roles, 1988 to 1992
From 1988 to 1992, Johny Lever started getting more supporting roles. In 1988, he appeared in Tezaab. In 1989, he worked in films such as Suryaa, Ilaaka, Mujrim, Jaadugar, Kala Bazaar, and ChaalBaaz.
In 1990, he appeared in Kishen Kanhaiya. In 1991, he worked in Narsimha. In 1992, he appeared in Khiladi and Chamatkar.
During this phase, he worked in films led by actors such as Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Shah Rukh Khan.
Breakthrough with Baazigar, 1993 to 1994
In 1993, Johny Lever received one of the most memorable roles of his career in Baazigar. He played Babulal in the film. His co-stars included Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Shilpa Shetty, Dalip Tahil, Raakhee Gulzar, Siddharth Ray, and Anant Mahadevan.
The role made him a familiar comedy face in Hindi cinema. In the same period, his films included Anari, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Anmol, Santaan, Anjaam, Main Khiladi Tu Anadi, and Yaar Gaddar.
Peak comedy phase in Bollywood, 1995 to 1999
From 1995 to 1999, Johny Lever became one of the busiest comic actors in Hindi films. In 1995, he appeared in Karan Arjun with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee Gulzar, and Amrish Puri. In 1996, he acted in Raja Hindustani, which starred Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor.
In 1997, he appeared in Judaai with Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Urmila Matondkar, Paresh Rawal, Kader Khan, and Farida Jalal. The same year, he worked in Deewana Mastana with Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Anupam Kher, Saeed Jaffrey, Kader Khan, and Salman Khan in a special role. His role in Deewana Mastana won him the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian.
In 1998, he appeared in Dulhe Raja with Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Kader Khan, Prem Chopra, and Asrani. His work in this film also won him the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. In the same year, he appeared in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Salman Khan.
In 1999, he continued working in several films, including Baadshah, Hello Brother, Anari No. 1, Khoobsurat, and Jaanwar. During this time, he often worked with actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Anil Kapoor.
Mainstream comedy and family films, 2000 to 2005
In 2000, Johny Lever appeared in many Hindi films. His films that year included Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Hadh Kar Di Aapne, Joru Ka Ghulam, and Raju Chacha.
His co-stars during this period included Hrithik Roshan, Ameesha Patel, Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Govinda, Twinkle Khanna, Ajay Devgn, and Kajol.
In 2001, he worked in Ajnabee, Nayak, Lajja, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. These films brought him together with actors such as Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Hrithik Roshan.
In 2002, he appeared in Awara Paagal Deewana with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal, Preeti Jhangiani, Aarti Chhabria, and Amrita Arora.
In 2003, he acted in Koi… Mil Gaya with Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha, Rakesh Roshan, and Prem Chopra.
From 2004 to 2005, he appeared in films such as Aabra Ka Daabra, Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav, Khullam Khulla Pyaar Kare, and Deewane Huye Paagal. These films kept him active in comedy and supporting roles.
Television, hosting, and comedy shows, 2006 to 2018
In 2006, Johny Lever hosted and produced the Zee TV comedy show Johny Aala Re. The show featured stand-up comedy, skits, parodies, and audience-based comedy parts. Siddharth Jadhav was also part of the show.
In 2007, he appeared as a judge on Comedy Circus. His co-judges were Archana Puran Singh and Satish Shah, while Shruti Seth was the host.
From 2017 to 2018, Johny Lever acted in the SAB TV comedy series Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double. He played Commissioner Gogol Chatterjee and related characters.
His co-stars included Kiku Sharda, Vipul Roy, Kishwer Merchant, Shweta Gulati, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Neha Pendse.
Comedy franchises and ensemble films, 2006 to 2019
From 2006 onward, Johny Lever appeared in many comedy and group-cast films. In 2006, he worked in 36 China Town and Phir Hera Pheri. In 2007, he appeared in Fool n Final. In 2008, he acted in Race. In 2009, he appeared in All The Best and De Dana Dan.
In 2010, he worked in Golmaal 3 with Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, Mithun Chakraborty, and Ratna Pathak Shah. In 2012, he appeared in Housefull 2 and Khiladi 786. In 2013, he acted in Boss and Yamla Pagla Deewana 2.
In 2015, he appeared in Dilwale with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, and Kriti Sanon. In 2017, he worked in Judwaa 2 and Golmaal Again.
In 2019, he appeared in Total Dhamaal with Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, and Boman Irani. The same year, he also appeared in Housefull 4.
Recent films and OTT work, 2020 to 2024
In 2020, Johny Lever appeared in Coolie No. 1. In 2021, he worked in Hungama 2. In 2022, he appeared in Cirkus. These films kept him active in comedy roles with group casts.
In 2023, he acted in Bad Boy. The same year, he appeared in the Disney+ Hotstar comedy series Pop Kaun?. In this series, he worked with Kunal Khemu, Saurabh Shukla, Rajpal Yadav, Chunky Panday, Jamie Lever, Satish Kaushik, Zakir Hussain, Nupur Sanon, and Tasha Bhambra.
In 2024, Johny Lever appeared in Lantrani, a Hindi anthology comedy drama released on ZEE5.
The film was directed by Gurvinder Singh, Kaushik Ganguly, and Bhaskar Hazarika. In this project, he worked with Jitendra Kumar, Jisshu Sengupta, Nimisha Sajayan, Boloram Das, and other actors.
The same year, he was also listed in Kya Masti Kya Dhoom. The film was directed by Chandrakant Singh and Ali Shah. Johny Lever played Badshah in the film.
His co-stars included Abhishek Bajaj, Anant Vidhat, Musskan Sethi, Eshanya Maheshwari, Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Raaz, Hemant Pandey, Vineet Sharma, and Aakash Dabhade.
In 2024, Johny Lever was also connected with Navra Maza Navsacha 2. He appeared as Bahadur in the song “Nako Na Gade.” The film and its music were part of Marathi cinema, and the song credits list Johny Lever with singers and artists such as Avadhoot Gupte, Sonu Nigam, Jaanvee Prabhu Arora, and Sachin Pilgaonkar.
He also appeared in The Defective Detectives, which is linked with the Marathi film Aflatoon. The English version was released in 2024, while the Marathi version, Aflatoon, was released earlier.
In this project, Johny Lever worked with Siddharth Jadhav, Paritosh Painter, Jayesh Thakkar, Shweta Gulati, Vijay Patkar, Bharat Dabholkar, Resham Tipnis, Tejaswini Lonari, and Jesse Lever.
In November 2024, Johny Lever appeared in I Want To Talk, directed by Shoojit Sircar. The film starred Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role, with Ahilya Bamroo, Jayant Kripalani, Pearle Dey, Kristin Goddard, and Johny Lever in the cast. Bollywood Hungama lists the film as released on 22 November 2024.
Latest films, 2025 to 2026
In 2025, Johny Lever appeared in Badass Ravi Kumar. In this film, he worked with Himesh Reshammiya, Prabhu Deva, Simona J, Kirti Kulhari, Sunny Leone, Sanjay Mishra, Manish Wadhwa, Rajesh Sharma, Pawan Malhotra, and Anil George.
The same year, he acted in Be Happy, directed by Remo D’Souza. The film starred Abhishek Bachchan, Inayat Verma, Nora Fatehi, and Nassar. He also appeared in Housefull 5 with Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Panday, and Shreyas Talpade.
In 2026, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and Welcome To The Jungle are in his filmography. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai featured Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mouni Roy, Rakesh Bedi, and Kubbra Sait.
Welcome To The Jungle was released on 26 June 2026. The film had a large cast that included Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Disha Patani.
Upcoming work
For his upcoming work, Tera Yaar Hoon Main is listed for release on 24 July 2026. In this film, Johny Lever is listed as Sardar Taxi Driver. His co-stars include Aman Indra Kumar, Akanksha Sharma, Paresh Rawal, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Neha Khan, and Darshan Jariwala. The film is directed by Milap Milan Zaveri.
He is also linked to an untitled comedy project with director Farhad Samji. The project is Untitled Farhad Samji/Johny Lever Project in pre-production. A report linked to Pinkvilla says Johny Lever will play a common man in the film, which is backed by NH Studioz and Roaring River Productions.
Johny Lever is also listed for Golmaal 5. Bollywood Hungama lists Golmaal 5 as a 2027 project in his filmography, while media reports say the film has gone on floors with Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn. Reports also name Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu, Sharman Joshi, Priyamani, and Akshay Kumar among the cast linked to the film.
He is also attached to Baap, an action film directed by Vivek Chauhan and produced by Ahmed Khan. The film brings together Sunny Deol, Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, and Jackie Shroff. Reports say the film has completed shooting and is being prepared for a 2026 release.
Johny Lever in Hera Pheri 3, which is marked as filming on his profile. The film is directed by Priyadarshan and stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, and Jaaved Jaaferi.
Johny Lever in Bhagam Bhag 2, which is in pre-production. The film is set for a 2026 release and stars Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee, and Paresh Rawal among the cast.
Upcoming or unreleased projects include No Entry 2, Khiladi 1080, Alert 24X7, and A Haunting Love Story. Alert 24X7 is listed with Kabir Bedi, Sanjay Dutt, Rajeev Khandelwal, Anupam Kher, Saurabh Shukla, Raveena Tandon, and Johny Lever.
A Haunting Love Story is directed by Namashi Chakraborthy and lists Namashi Chakraborthy, Mithun Chakraborty, Dipika Singh, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Priyanshu Chatterjee, and Johny Lever in the cast.
For the final article, I suggest using Khiladi 1080 and No Entry 2 with caution because the public information is not fully settled.
Johny Lever Awards and Achievement
Johny Lever has received several awards and nominations for his comedy roles in Hindi cinema. He is best known for winning two Filmfare Awards for Best Comic Actor. These wins came for Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja.
His major wins
- Screen Awards, 1997: Won Best Comic Actor for Raja Hindustani.
- Filmfare Awards, 1998: Won Best Comic Actor for Deewana Mastana (1997).
- Filmfare Awards, 1999: Won Best Comic Actor for Dulhe Raja (1998).
- Zee Cine Awards, 2002: Won Best Comedian for Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega.
- Pogo Amazing Kids Awards, 2004: Won Most Amazing Comedian for Koi… Mil Gaya.
- People’s Choice Awards India, 2012: Won Favourite Ensemble Cast for Housefull 2.
His key nominations
- Filmfare Awards, 1994: Nominated for Best Comic Actor for Baazigar.
- Filmfare Awards, 1998: Nominated for Best Comic Actor for Judaai.
- Filmfare Awards, 1999: Nominated for Best Comic Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
- IIFA Awards, 2001: Nominated for Best Comic Actor for Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
- Filmfare Awards, 2004: Nominated for Best Comic Actor for Koi… Mil Gaya.
- Zee Cine Awards, 2004: Nominated for Koi… Mil Gaya.
Johny Lever Controversies
Johny Lever has faced very few public controversies in his long career. Most reports linked to him are about one old legal case, his comments on comedy, and personal issues he later spoke about in interviews.
2025, comments on current comedy: Reports say Johny Lever made headlines after he criticized some current actors and stand-up comedians. He said many performers now depend on vulgar jokes, abusive language, double-meaning content, and copied Western-style comedy. He also said clean comedy is harder and challenged comedians to make people laugh without using such content.
1998, National Anthem case: In December 1998, Johny Lever faced legal trouble after a Mumbai court convicted him on the charge of insulting the National Anthem. The case was linked to a private performance in Dubai. The Tribune reported that he was sentenced to seven days in jail and fined ₹1,000, but he later got cash bail of ₹10,000 while the order was suspended, so he could appeal. Older reporting describes it as a National Anthem case, so it is safer to write it this way rather than calling it only a National Flag case.
In 2025, alcohol struggle and sobriety: Johny Lever also spoke openly about his past struggle with alcohol. He said that during the peak years of his career, drinking had become a serious problem for him. He later quit alcohol and said he had stayed sober for 24 years. This was not a media scandal, but it became part of his public life story after he shared it in interviews.
2025, family-linked backlash involving Jamie Lever: Johny Lever’s daughter Jamie Lever faced online backlash after posting a mimicry video of Bigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal. Some users accused the video of being insensitive and body-shaming. Jamie later took a break from social media and clarified that the break was also for family time. This issue was linked to Johny Lever’s family, but it was not a controversy directly involving him.
Johny Lever Net Worth, Salary
Johny Lever’s net worth is approximately ₹277 Crore ($33 million), and he charges approximately salary is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | ₹277 Crore ($33 million) |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Johny Lever Height, Weight & Physical Stats
The following are the physical appearances of Johny Lever.
| Height | In centimetres: 160 cm In meters: 1.60 m In feet & inches: 5′ 3 Inches |
| Weight | In kg: 65 kg In lbs: 143 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Interesting Facts About Johny Lever
- He learned mimicry basics from Pratap Jani and Ram Kumar.
- He entertained co-workers by imitating Elvis Presley.
- His screen name came from his Hindustan Lever connection.
- He recorded a comedy cassette titled Hasi Ke Hangame.
- He appeared in ads for Kachua Chhap incense.
- He performed in the charity show Hope 86.
- He is linked with MAAM, Mimicry Artist Association Mumbai.
- He entered the Tulu cinema with the film Rang.
- He said he learned Tulu from Mangalorean neighbours.
- He has also worked as a Hindi dubbing artist.
Johny Lever Instagram, X, Facebook
 @iam_johnylever | |
| X |  @iamjohnylever |
 @iamjohnylever |
FAQs
Who is Johny Lever?
Johny Lever is an Indian actor and comedian known for his work in Hindi cinema. He has acted in more than 300 films.
How old is Johny Lever?
Johny Lever is 68 years old. He was born on 14 August 1957 in Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.
What is Johny Lever’s real name?
Johny Lever’s real name is John Prakash Rao Janumala.
Who is Johny Lever’s wife?
Johny Lever is married to Sujatha.
How many children does Johny Lever have?
Johny Lever has two children, Jamie Lever and Jesse Lever.
What was Johny Lever’s breakthrough film?
Johny Lever’s breakthrough film was Baazigar in 1993, in which he played Babulal.
What does Johny Lever do for a living?
Johny Lever works as an actor, comedian, stage performer, and TV personality.
How many Filmfare Awards has Johny Lever won?
Johny Lever has won two Filmfare Awards for comic roles, for Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja.
What are Johny Lever’s recent films?
His recently listed films include Lantrani, The Defective Detectives, I Want To Talk, Badass Ravi Kumar, Be Happy, and Housefull 5.
