At thirteen years old, Johnny Lever attempted suicide. He sold pens on the sidewalks of Mumbai. Now, Johnny Lever has 277 crore rupees and a career that continues to fill theaters. The huge difference between these two points in his life is why people are finding his story again, after an interview where the comedian spoke about the time he almost stopped living.
From despair to stage lights
As he explained to Ranveer Allahbadia, a thirteen year old Johnny once walked to the train tracks. He was overwhelmed by the troubles at home and his father’s drinking. He pictured his three younger sisters. He stepped away from the tracks. A few minutes later, music from a barber shop nearby calmed him down; it was around t6:45 or 7 in the evening.
Dharavi had already taught him how to survive. His family had moved there from Andhra Pradesh and didn’t have much money. He left school after the seventh grade at Andhra Education Society English High School. He also remembers seeing someone murdered when he was seven, in the third grade, and doesn’t wants to think about it.
The street act that became a calling
Before he was on movie sets or travelling the world, Johnny was at traffic lights. He sold pens all over Mumbai, and each sale was like a little performance. He copied movie stars, danced to popular tunes, and made strangers laugh. These little performances on the sidewalk became the character that people would later pay to see on stage.
Born on August 14th, 1957 in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, he was raised in a Telugu Christian family that believed in working hard. His dad worked at Hindustan Unilever, and Johnny eventually worked there too. At a work party, his excellent copying of the managers really impressed everyone. And that’s how he got the name ‘Johnny Lever’.
Choosing risk over routine
By then, being on stage was paying his bills. He was doing really well with live shows, he started getting work from brands, and he even worked on a project with Shekhar Kapur. His father was scared when Johnny quit a secure job, but Johnny went with what the audience wanted. He decided that doing what he loved was safer than regretting his choices.
Here are the career catalysts fans still cite, in no strict order:
– Sunil Dutt spotted him during a live performance
– A major 1982 tour with Amitabh Bachchan
– The film break in ‘Dard Ka Rishta’
– Early stand-up shows in India and abroad
A 350-plus film run and the money math
After that, he did what most people in India know him for. He’s been in over 350 films, people of many different ages repeat his funny lines, and he is recognized even outside of India. His comedic timing is always kind, not harsh, and that’s unusual in an industry where the loudest laughs are often the most rewarded.
His success has also changed how much money he has. Reports say Johnny Lever’s net worth is 277 crore rupees. That amount is surprising when you think about him selling pens when he was young, and that is the point of the story. He’s been most recently in ‘Housefull 5’, and still appears where people are expecting a good, reliable laugh.
If you need help
This story contains details of self-harm. If you or anyone you know are having a hard time, please talk to a professional or call a suicide prevention hotline in India. TeleMANAS: 1-800 891 4416. Talking about it is a strong, first move.
