Johnny Lever

“As soon as a big amount is involved, the producer looks for a bankable face. No producer will make a Rs 20 crore film starring Rajpal Yadav and Johny Lever, as we cannot pull an entire film on our shoulders. Yet, we do get roles.”

“My son assisted a few directors and my daughter does stand up acts with me.”

“In any art, if you want to become successful, you have to be willing to sacrifice.”

“I studied only till class VII at the Andhra Society High School, Wadala and dropped out when I realised that education was not my cup of tea.”

“My poverty taught me a lot. If someone dies, I cannot cry as I have seen so much hardship and death. I went to shoot even the day my dad had died. Death is reality.”

“Back To Dad' gives a message that every youngster should learn and this is surely going to leave a very strong impact on the masses.”

“It is always nice to keep in touch with our family and know our roots.”

“A hero has to become a comedian to do a comic role but a comedian does not have to do anything. People laugh at him anyway. Even when I attend funerals, people look at my face and laugh.”

“Comedy is a very difficult thing to do.”

“I speak Telugu, so learning Kannada was not all that tough.”

“I prefer improvising, rather than creating comedy out of thin air.”

“Comedy comes from childhood only. The humour genes you are born with remain with you. I was always making mischief and making people laugh.”

“Comedy is an art which is extremely difficult to deliver.”

“From the age of 12, I have always thought of what I can do for others. Like my father, I too have always been large-hearted.”

“There are some actors who have an interest in comedy but they can't say this openly. They do feel insecure about the comedian walking off with all the applause. In fact, I have seen my lines being changed and scenes being reworked to suit certain actors.”

“I feel very proud as a father when my daughter is being recognised for her talent and hard work.”

“People often call me saying: 'Johnny, we have a role that we think only you can do.' If I like the character, then I instantly say yes to them.”

“I was born a Roman Catholic but had never tried to read the Bible. Now, I ensure that I read it completely.”

“Stand-up comedy is a different game all together. You have to improvise on the spot if you feel that the audience isn't enjoying your performance. In a movie or serial, you are in a situation while on stage you create a situation.”

“For artists like me nothing matters more than the audience's respect.”