A biography for Johnny Leverhasn’t been written yet.
“My first show was in Patkar Hall next to Bombay Hospital. It was a total flop. I was so nervous standing in front of all those people that I completely froze. I forgot all my lines and the audience booed me off the stage. I realised that day that you have to earn the audience's appreciation. They aren't fools.”
“A good role is one that moves along with the story, like 'Baazigar' and 'Kareeb' for example. Similarly, I agreed to '36 China Town' and 'Phir Hera Pheri' because my characters in both films have a graph and are significant in moving the story ahead.”
“In standup, you must be able to hypnotize the audience.”
“I observe people around me, interact with them and try to understand what's on their minds. I also try and include their little quirky mannerisms in my films.”
“I focus on my work while some people unnecessarily complicate life.”
“As for insecurity, I have none because I know nobody has offered variety in comedy like I have.”
“I am not funny in real life, but it's my work to make people laugh.”
“Some hidden talent lies within everyone.”
“I started as a stand-up comedian at charity shows in Mumbai.”
“I was called for 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge,' but I turned it down because I wasn't sure of its quality.”
“There is no dearth of talents in Jharkhand.”
“I want to make the kind of films that Charlie Chaplin did.”
“A comedian's job itself is tough. But I have been lucky to have made people laugh.”
“If I'm not comfortable doing something, I'll refuse the role altogether.”
“For making a good comedy film, you need a good writer whose craft can be understood through the time that he takes to write his script.”
“I was interested in films since my childhood.”
“I won't do roles that are dirty, full of double meaning dialogues and vulgar gestures. Though such roles had made me a star, my conscience was against doing such scenes.”
“A good writer takes time to go in-depth into a subject and then comes out with a good script. Then it's the job of the actor and director to improvise with it and make it even better.”
“I am just like any regular person. I am a fun-loving guy, which is reflected in my acting. I love to spend time with my family like any other person.”
“Talent is given by God but you should respect it by doing good work.”