Johnny Lever is undeniably one of the most renowned names in the Hindi film industry, celebrated for his satirical performances and exceptional acting prowess. However, behind the scenes, the comedian endured significant struggles that many may not be aware of.
In a recent podcast episode on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s channel Beer Biceps, Johnny Lever opened up about the tumultuous events of his childhood. He recounted facing immense challenges, including an abusive father and severe financial hardships, which tested his resilience to its limits.
Born and predominantly raised in the Dharavi area of Mumbai, Johnny Lever shared poignant memories of feeling utterly helpless as the sole breadwinner for his family. Witnessing his father’s alcoholism, he found himself at a breaking point at the tender age of 13, contemplating suicide on nearby railway tracks. However, the thought of his sisters flashed before his eyes, reminding him of his crucial role in their lives, prompting him to step away from the tracks and reconsider.
Beyond his struggles, Johnny Lever shed light on the harsh realities of life in Dharavi. He recounted witnessing frequent incidents of violence, including murders, which were tragically commonplace in his neighbourhood. Reflecting on these experiences, the actor remarked, “We used to see murders every day in Dharavi. Either someone’s body is lying on the side of the road, or someone has cut down somebody and thrown the body. We used to go to school passing by the same route where we have seen this all the time."
Born as John Prakash Rao Janumala, Johnny Lever has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his comedic brilliance. With a career spanning over 350 films, Lever’s versatility has earned him widespread acclaim. While his most recent appearance was in the Marathi film Aflatoon in 2023, audiences eagerly anticipate his upcoming role alongside Akshay Kumar in Welcome to the Jungle, slated for release this year.
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