Having given 30 long years to the Hindi film industry, the funny man wanted to take a break, only to take stock of what he has been doing, seek improvements and most importantly, let newer talent be recognised. “When I entered the industry in 1984, I was welcomed, no one pushed me away. I want the younger comedians to experience the same. They should feel wanted,” says Johnny Lever who is all set to make a screen presence after a long hiatus.
“ I cannot stay away from people and audience. I was busy with live shows and took a a conscious break from movies as it was time for me to look back at what I had been doing. Moreover, I didn't feel the need to take each and every project that came my way until Its Entertainment landed on my desk,” says Johnny Lever.
Born John Prakasa Rao Janumala, Johnny Lever's roots are from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, he likes to revisit his ancestral place and meet his family. “Last month my son visited everyone. It is always nice to keep in touch with our family and know our roots,” says Johnny. But the actor isn't comfortable doing Telugu cinema because “my Telugu is weak.”
The actor/comedian regards his forthcoming Its Entertainment as his second innings. Acting along with Akshay and a golden retriever, the movie revolves around the dog and Johnny quips, “The dog has given its best performance. It brings tears to our eyes.”
According to him, his role isn’t is quite different from we have seen him doing. “It is one of the best sketched characters for a comedian, well thought of and not introduced to bring in humour for the sake of it,” he claims.
Asked to comment on the state of stand up comedy in the country Johnny says, “It’s definitely a good time for stand up comedians. But there is a lot to explore in terms of topic, scenes and the acts on the whole. The newer generation is catching up and I like watching them, even to see the edge I have over comedy, acquired because of the years I have dedicated to it.”
Who will carry the Johnny Lever legacy forward? “My daughter, Jamie. Both my son and daughter have completed their master's from UK, but the kalakar ka keeda is deep and hereditary. My son assisted a few directors and my daughter does stand up acts with me,” he reveals.
What is his next POA? “Touring for stand up acts. I have to come to Hyderabad for this, because my first performance was at Ravindra Bharati in this city, when I was just 17 years old.”
