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`Television is tougher than theatre and films'

Star comedian Johny Lever has virtually become a brand name, says Madhur Tankha...

After enjoying considerable success in Bollywood for more than two decades, star comedian Johny Lever has now made a transition from Hindi films to the small screen. But then he has specialised in comedy to such an extent that he has virtually become a brand name.

And Zee TV wants to capitalise on Johny's penchant for making people laugh with his wisecracks with a funny weekly programme "Johny Aala Re" beginning June 5.

"Not many people know that John Rao is my real name. Though I am from Andhra Pradesh, I grew up in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, in Mumbai. Since the age of four, I used to derive immense pleasure mimicking my mother and later on my schoolteachers. As my parents could not afford to pay my school fees, I studied only up till Class VII. In my locality, people used to converse in Marathi, Tamil and other regional languages. So I was able to master these languages fast. I even started copying their mannerism and style of speaking. To earn a living, I sold vegetables in trains and performed stage shows. I used to `broom' at Hindustan Lever Limited and in my free time make people laugh with my wisecracks. Later, I kept my name as Johny Lever," he says.

Stating that he had never imagined in his wildest dreams that one day he would be making waves in Hindi films, Johny says: "I always thought that enrolment in the film institute in Poona was a prerequisite for getting into films. I even went to that city to try my luck. Luckily, destiny had better things in store for me. I made my debut in `Yeh Rishta Na Toote'. Since then there has been no looking back. Actually, comedy is god-gifted."

Expressing happiness over the success of his latest blockbuster "36 China Two", Johny says that when the director duo Abbas-Mastan approached him for a role in the film, he immediately gave the nod as he had faith in their abilities. "Also because it was being produced by Subhash Ghai," he adds.

On the metamorphosis from the silver screen to the television, Johny says that he does not want to do films just to oblige some people in the industry. "I was not prepared to cut down on the money part. At times, I have done films without charging a single penny and also for small amounts. But then I have achieved a certain level in Bollywood that I do not want to compromise. Moreover, I was tired of doing the same repetitive roles and also fed up playing a sardarji. Earlier only 20 films were released in a year. Now, 200 films are released annually. Therefore, there is need of 200 actors. I do not want to become a stumbling block to young actors."

Admitting that television is a difficult medium, Johny says that it is tougher than stage and films. "But I am confident of achieving success here. If Abhishek Bachchan can become a superstar after delivering 12 flops then why can I not achieve success in this medium? Even if I put 50 per cent of my talent the programme that will be aired from Monday to Wednesday, it will become a success. As I mimic, make different facial expressions and have an original sense of humour, I will be different from other comedy television hosts like Sajid Khan and Shekhar Suman. Although vulgarity and double meaning jokes can come easily, I have decided to do decent stuff so that the entire family can watch," he adds.

On his forthcoming film "Phir Hera Pheri", Johny says: "I am playing a goonda who also has a boss. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala has praised my acting in the film. Neeraj Vohra as director has done a good job with the script."

The film stars Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty and Paresh Rawal, while music has been given by Himesh Reshammiya.

Admitting that he enjoys mimicking politicians and film stars, Johny says that no one has told him that his jokes were in poor taste. "I have always been a big fan of Kishore Kumar and Mehmood sahib. You see, mimicking somebody is not a child's play. It requires mindboggling talent. Once, I was sitting in an Andheri restaurant and somebody told me to mimic Michael Jackson. For one complete month, I watched his cassettes and learnt his voice and dance steps. Then I tried to imitate Jackson. Even people realise that I have put in hard work after seeing my performance."

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