Johnny Lever’s best performances include Babulal in Baazigar (1993), Ramlal in Badshah (1999), Haldiram in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Topi in Nayak (2001), Munna in Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Pappi Bhai in Golmaal 3 (2010), Award Anshuman in Khatta Meetha (2010) and Mani Bhai in Dilwale (2015). In 2025 he was back in Housefull 5.
Born John Prakash Rao Janumala in 1957, Johnny Lever sold pens on Mumbai streets while mimicking film stars, worked at Hindustan Unilever, and got his stage name from co-workers there. Sunil Dutt spotted him on stage and gave him his first film. Four decades later, his scenes live on as memes, and he is still working.
Johnny Lever quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real name | John Prakash Rao Janumala |
| Born | 14 August 1957, Andhra Pradesh |
| First film | Dard Ka Rishta (1982) |
| Breakthrough | Baazigar (1993) |
| Filmfare Best Comedian wins | Deewana Mastana, Dulhe Raja |
| Recent film | Housefull 5 (2025) |
From mimicry shows to Hindi films
Before films, Johnny Lever was a stage performer. He left school after Class 7 because of money problems at home and started mimicking film stars to sell pens. While working at Hindustan Unilever, he performed at a company event, imitating senior officers, and the name “Johnny Lever” stuck.
He quit the job in 1981 as his stage income grew, performing in musical shows such as Tabassum’s Hit Parade and later with the Kalyanji-Anandji group. That stage training in voices and expressions is visible in every role below.
Johnny Lever’s 9 best performances
1. Babulal in Baazigar (1993)
As the forgetful head servant of the Chopra household, Babulal is an old-school comic role on paper. Johnny Lever turns it into one of the most remembered parts of a dark thriller with his confused expressions and perfect timing. Baazigar was his big breakthrough.
Stream: Prime Video.
2. Ramlal in Badshah (1999)
Ramlal is the assistant to Shah Rukh Khan’s bumbling detective Raj Heera. From the very first scene, the two play off each other like a comedy double act, and many of the film’s best laughs come from Ramlal’s panicked reactions.
3. Haldiram in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
A short special appearance, but one of his most viral. Haldiram runs a sweet shop in Chandni Chowk, and his loud, dramatic reaction scene is now a meme template that turns up on every social media platform.
Stream: Netflix, Prime Video.
4. Topi in Nayak (2001)
Topi is a TV cameraman and colleague of Anil Kapoor’s Shivaji Rao, the cameraman who becomes chief minister for a day. In a serious political film, Johnny Lever brings lightness without breaking the mood, and his fear-filled reactions to danger are perfectly timed.
Stream: Prime Video.
5. Munna in Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
In a film already packed with comic talent, Johnny Lever’s Munna stands out. His exchanges with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal produced several lines that are still shared as memes and reaction clips.
Stream: Prime Video.
6. Pappi Bhai in Golmaal 3 (2010)
Pappi Bhai is a gangster with a terrible memory, which is the whole joke. He forgets plans, people and his own threats, and the running gag became one of the most quoted parts of the Golmaal series.
Stream: ShemarooMe.
7. Award Anshuman in Khatta Meetha (2010)
Award Anshuman is a mechanic whose “help” only makes life harder for Akshay Kumar’s struggling road contractor, Sachin Tichkule. Their scenes together in Priyadarshan’s satire are among the film’s funniest.
Stream: Prime Video.
8. Mani Bhai in Dilwale (2015)
Mani Bhai is a pickpocket in Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale. It is not one of his biggest roles, but he makes the most of every short scene, and his timing is as sharp as ever.
Stream: Netflix.
9. Batuk Patel in Housefull 5 (2025)
A new addition. In the fifth Housefull film, Johnny Lever plays Batuk Patel, joining a big ensemble led by Akshay Kumar. The role shows that, more than 40 years after his debut, he is still part of Bollywood’s biggest comedy franchises.
Honourable mentions
His Filmfare Best Comedian wins came for Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja, and he won the Screen Award for Raja Hindustani. Other fan favourites include Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega and Judaai. His daughter Jamie Lever has followed him into comedy and acting. For more on comedy greats, see our Bollywood section and listicles.
Why Johnny Lever still works for Gen Z
Fans who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s still quote his scenes, and younger viewers know him through memes and reels. His comedy depends on expressions, voice and physical timing rather than crude jokes, which is why it travels so well across age groups. Few comedians in Hindi cinema have had a career this long or this consistent.
His other recent and upcoming work includes I Want to Talk (2024) and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (2026). Keep an eye on our celebs page for updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is Johnny Lever’s real name?
His real name is John Prakash Rao Janumala. He got the name Johnny Lever from co-workers at Hindustan Unilever.
Which awards has Johnny Lever won?
He won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja, from 13 nominations.
What was Johnny Lever’s first film?
His first film was Dard Ka Rishta (1982). Baazigar (1993) made him a household name.
Is Johnny Lever in Housefull 5?
Yes, he plays Batuk Patel in Housefull 5 (2025).
Sources: Wikipedia, Johnny Lever, JustWatch India for streaming availability.
