Johnny Lever ✓
Actor

Johnny Lever

Active Bollywood / Hindi Cinema, Indian Stand-Up Comedy, and Regional Cinema Rating 4.5/5 Fan 9.5/10
  • FromKanigiri, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Based inMumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Age69 years
  • Active1980–Present
  • Updated

Johnny Lever – Biography

Johnny Lever – Full Information

  • Full Name: John Prakash Rao Janumala
  • Popular Name: Johnny Lever
  • Nickname: Johny Lever
  • Profession: Actor, Comedian
  • Known For: Pioneering Indian stand-up comedy and iconic comedic roles in Baazigar, Raja Hindustani, Deewana Mastana, Dulhe Raja, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
  • Date of Birth: August 14, 1957
  • Age: 69 years (as of 2026)
  • Birthplace: Kanigiri, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Zodiac Sign: Leo
  • Current Residence: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Profession Category: Actor / Hindi Cinema Comedian

Physical Appearance

  • Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) approx.
  • Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) approx.
  • Eye Colour: Dark Brown
  • Hair Colour: Black

Family Member Name

  • Father: Prakash Rao Janumala
  • Mother: Karunamma Janumala
  • Siblings: Jimmy Moses (Brother) and three sisters
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Spouse: Sujata Lever
  • Children: Jamie Lever (Daughter), Jesse Lever (Son)

Education Details

  • Primary / Secondary School: Andhra Education Society English High School, Mumbai (Studied up to seventh grade)
  • College / University: None (Entered performing arts and mimicry at an early age)

Career Highlight

Year Career Highlight
1980 Feature debut break with Tum Par Hum Qurban followed by Dard Ka Rishta
1993 Breakthrough mainstream success as Babulal in the thriller Baazigar
1996 Critical praise and Screen Award win as Balwant Singh in Raja Hindustani
1997 Filmfare Award win for Best Comic Actor as Ghafoor in Deewana Mastana
1998 Second Filmfare Award win for playing Bankhey in the comedy Dulhe Raja
1998 Memorable comic performance as Col. Almeida in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
2001 Iconic comic role as Aslam Bhai in Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega
2001 Popular role as Haldiram in the family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
2003 Comic performance as Chelaram in the blockbuster sci-fi film Koi Mil Gaya
2006 Hosted his own stand-up and sketch comedy television show Johny Aala Re
2017 Notable ensemble comic presence as Pappi Bhai in Golmaal Again
2019 Featured in multi-starrer comedy hits Total Dhamaal and Housefull 4

Awards List

Year Award Name Category Film Result
1994 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Baazigar Nominated
1996 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Karan Arjun Nominated
1997 Screen Award Best Comedian Raja Hindustani Won
1997 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Raja Hindustani Nominated
1998 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Deewana Mastana Won
1998 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Judaai Nominated
1999 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Dulhe Raja Won
1999 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Nominated
2000 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Anari No. 1 Nominated
2001 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani Nominated
2001 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Kunwara Nominated
2002 Zee Cine Award Best Actor in a Comic Role Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega Won
2002 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Ajnabee Nominated
2003 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Humraaz Nominated
2004 Filmfare Award Best Performance in a Comic Role Koi Mil Gaya Nominated

At a Glance

4 Awards
95 Popularity Score
95 Trending
Moderate Controversy Index
95% Profile Complete

Social Reach

2,500,000 Instagram
400,000 Twitter / X

About Johnny Lever

What is Johnny Lever's real birth name?
His real name is John Prakash Rao Janumala. He took the stage name Johnny Lever while working at Hindustan Lever Limited.
How did Johnny Lever get his big break in Hindi films?
Sunil Dutt noticed his mimicry and comic timing during a charity performance organized by Kalyanji Anandji and offered him a role in Dard Ka Rishta.
How many Filmfare Awards has Johnny Lever won?
He has received 13 nominations and won two Filmfare Awards for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Deewana Mastana (1997) and Dulhe Raja (1998).
Are Johnny Lever's children also part of the entertainment industry?
Yes, his daughter Jamie Lever is a popular stand-up comedian and actress, and his son Jesse Lever is an actor and musician.
What are some of Johnny Lever's most famous movie roles?
His most recognized characters include Babulal in Baazigar, Champa Chameli in Anjaam, Bankhey in Dulhe Raja, Col. Almeida in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Aslam Bhai in Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega.

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Johnny Lever Career Highlight & Awards