Anupam Kher
Born	(1955-03-07) 7 March 1955 (age 57) Shimla, India[1]
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Actor, producer, director
Years active	1982–present
Spouse	Kirron Kher

Anupam Kher (born 7 March 1955)^[2] is an Indian actor who has appeared in nearly 450 films and 100 plays.^[3] Though mainly appearing in Bollywood films, he has had roles in some films from other nations as well. He has held the post of Chairman of the Censor Board and National School of Drama in India.^[3]

Early life[link]

Anupam Kher was born into a Kashmiri Pandit family and lived in Shimla and was educated at D.A.V. School there. He is an alumnus and a former chairperson of the National School of Drama. Some of his early acting was in plays performed at the Himachal Pradesh University.^[2][4]

Career[link]

Kher made his acting debut in the 1982 Hindi movie Aagman. Then in 1984 came Saaransh, where 28-year old Kher played a retired man who has lost his son. He hosted TV shows such as Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle, Sawaal Dus Crore Ka and the recent Lead India. He has had many comic roles but has also played the villain such as his acclaimed role as terrorist Dr. Dang in Karma (1986). For his role in Daddy (1989) he received the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance. Kher has won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role five times, more than any other actor.

He has starred alongside Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan many times in films such as Darr (1993), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Chaahat (1996), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2000) and Veer-Zaara (2004).

He ventured into directing with Om Jai Jagadish (2003) and has also been a producer. He produced and starred in the film Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005). He received the Best Actor Award from the Karachi International Film Festival for his performance in the film.

Kher is known internationally for Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Bride and Prejudice (2004), his appearance on the hit TV show ER, and most recently in The Mistress of Spices (2006) and Lust, Caution (2007).

Kher has written and starred in a play about his own life called Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, which is directed by Feroz Abbas Khan.^[4][5]

Until recently he served as chairman of the Indian Film Censor Board. He is an alumnus of National School of Drama (1978 batch) and was its director between 2001 and 2004.

In 2007, Anupam Kher, with his batchmate of NSD, Satish Kaushik,^[6] started a film production company, Karol Bagh Productions. Their first film, Tere Sang, is being directed by Satish Kaushik.^[7]

He has recently been appointed the goodwill ambassador of the Pratham Education Foundation, which strives to improve children's education in India.^[8]

In 2011, he starred alongside Mohanlal and Jayaprada in the Malayalam language romantic drama Pranayam. Kher has chosen Pranayam as one of the seven best films of his career.^[9]

He also starred in a number of Punjabi films such as Yaaraan naal bahaaraan.

He is also widely regarded as an intellectual talk show participant.^[10]

In 2009, Kher has given his Hindi voice to Carl Fredricksen in the Disney-Pixar 3D Animated film Up, which also bounds to not only be his first dubbing role, but to be his very first voice role in his career, overall. ^[11]

Personal life[link]

Anupam Kher is married to fellow actress Kirron Kher.^[1] Her son, his stepson, is actor Sikander Kher.^[12] His brother Raju Kher^[1] is also an actor, who appeared in Anupam's directorial debut Om Jai Jagadish. A Kashmiri Brahmin by birth,^[13] Anupam Kher has been working for the displaced Kashmiri Pandits by bringing to global attention the issues concerning the community.^[14]

Awards and recognition[link]

Filmfare Awards[link]

Wins

• 1984: Best Actor, Saaransh
• 1988: Best Supporting Actor, Vijay
• 1989: Best Comedian, Ram Lakhan
• 1990: Critics Award for Best Performance, Daddy
• 1991: Best Comedian, Lamhe
• 1992: Best Comedian, Khel
• 1993: Best Comedian, Darr
• 1995: Best Comedian, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

Nominations

• 1986: nominated: Best Supporting Actor Award, Janam
• 1991: nominated: Best Supporting Actor, Dil
• 1992: nominated: Best Supporting Actor, Saudagar
• 1994: nominated: Best Supporting Actor, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
• 1997: nominated: Best Supporting Actor, Chaahat

National Film Awards[link]

• 1990 - National Film Award - Special Jury Award: Daddy^[15]
• 2006 - National Film Award - Special Jury Award: Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara^[16]

Star Screen Awards[link]

• 1994: Best Supporting Actor for 1942: A Love Story
• 1999: Best Comedian for Haseena Maan Jayegi

Bollywood Movie Awards[link]

• 1999 : Best Supporting Actor for Salaakhen
• 2007 : Best Comedian for Khosla Ka Ghosla

Other awards[link]

• 2000, Actor of the Decade Award (Millennium Honours)^[15]
• 2000, Best Actor in a Comic Role at the Sansui Viewers Choice Awards^[17]
• 2001, Real Life Hero Award at the Zee Gold Bollywood Awards^[18]
• 2004, Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution to Indian cinema^[19]
• 2005, "Divya Himachal Award" for excellence 2005, with the blessings of H.H. Dalai Lama^[20]
• 2005, Best Actor Award from the Karachi International Film Festival for Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara^[21]
• 2006, Best Actor Award at the Riverside International Film Festival at California for Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara^[22]
• 2006, GIFA awards: Critics Choice Awards - Best Actor in a Comic Role for Khosla Ka Ghosla^[23]

Filmography[link]

Director

Producer

Actor (Partial filmography, in Hindi language unless noted)

Dubbing

References[link]

See also[link]

• Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts

External links[link]

• Anupam Kher at the Internet Movie Database
• Anupam Kher Foundation
• Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares
• Karolbagh Films & Entertainment Pvt Ltd

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Johnny Lever
Born	John Prakasa Rao Janumala (1950-01-07) 7 January 1950 (age 62) Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India,
Occupation	Actor, Comedian
Years active	1984–present
Spouse	Sujatha Lever
Signature	150px

John Prakasa Rao Janumala, famously known as Johnny Lever born January 7, 1950 in Ossalapalle, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, is an Indian film actor and one of the most popular comedians in Hindi cinema.^[1] He was born to Prakash Rao Janumala and Karunamma Janumala and brought up in Mumbai. He began his career in 1984, and has acted in more than 300 Bollywood films since. He has received 13 Filmfare Awards nominations in Best Comedian Category, and has won the award twice.

Early life[link]

Johnny Lever, born in Andhra Pradesh and was brought up in Mumbai's King's Circle area (Dharavi). His mother tongue is Telugu.^[2] Johnny studied in Andhra Telugu School till the seventh grade but couldn't study further because of financial problems in his family, after which he decided to leave school and started working different kinds of odd jobs, such as selling pens on the streets of Bombay by imitating Bollywood stars and dancing to the songs of Bollywood stars. He also spent his early ages in Yakutpura a old city of Hyderabad from where he learnt the unique style of comedy acting. He developed a passion for mimicry and stand-up comedy, inspired by watching comedians like Johnny Walker, Kishore Kumar and Mehmood in films and mimicry artists like Dinesh Hingoo and Nerella Venumadhav on stage, and thus decided to be a mimicry artist. To seek guidance and help regarding mimicry, he met his mentor Pratap Jani and mimicry artist Ram Kumar, who helped him and taught him the basics of mimicry.

Lever was also employed in Hindustan Lever's factory in Mumbai with his father. While working, he entertained his co-workers in the factory by imitating Elvis Presley. At one of the functions at his factory he was asked to perform and show his talent. His popularity among coworkers and officers of the factory by his performance earned him the nickname "Johnny Lever".

He started to perform in musical shows (orchestras) and after earning fame, joined the group of Kalyanji-Anandji, a legendary music direction duo. He did a lot of shows and world tours with them, one of his first big tours being with Amitabh Bachchan in 1982.

Since he became an instant hit at orchestras and was unable to find time, another comedian who substituted him by the name of Johnny Fever evolved. However, Fever's fame was short-lived as Raju Srivastav came to Mumbai during the same time and started filling gaps of Johnny Lever at orchestras.

During this period he learned a lot from his mentor Kalyanji, who was described by Lever as a great philosopher and a very humorous person. At one of his shows, actor Sunil Dutt noticed his talent and potential and offered him his first movie Dard Ka Rishta.

In the 1980s, he released his mimicry/comedy album, Hansee Ke Hungame, which became a hit in India and the world over, increasing his fame to another level. During this time period, he also did few commercials for Kachua chhap incense, directed by Shekhar Kapoor.

In 1986, he performed in a charity show called "Hope 86", in front of the whole Hindi film industry as a filler and was loved by audience. His talent was recognized, which resulted in producer Gul Anand offering him a film called Jalwa with Naseeruddin Shah. He is considered an influential Indian comedian who has been cited as inspiration by many other comics.

Career[link]

Audio career[link]

Johnny started his mass career by releasing an album where he mimicked various Bollywood stars and created a few famous characters in the process; Chela Ramani being one. Some famous sketches in the album included "Sky Lab", "Madrasi Anna Cricket", "Pathan in the bus", "Hijra Kabaddi" and "Chela Ramani".

Film career[link]

Lever got his first break in Indian cinema with the film Dard Ka Rishta, thanks to the late Sunil Dutt. Since then, he has acted in more than 350 films. After Dard Ka Rishta, he was seen in Jalwa with Naseerudin Shah, but his first major success came with Baazigar, and after that he was seen in almost every movie as a supporting actor/comedian. Despite being busy with his many movie roles, he continued to do live shows. One of his most memorable live performances was an impersonation of Michael Jackson at the 1999 Filmfare Awards. His most acclaimed performance was the character of "Babulal" in the film, Baazigar, directed by Abbas-Mustan. He is also remembered for some of his other famous characters, like "Chotta Chattri", "Aslam Bhai", etc. His performance in the film, Judaai and his famous dialogues in the movie, Abba Dabba Jabba are also unforgettable.^[3]

His first Tamil feature film was Anbirkku Alavillai^[4] produced by SIMPL (Shepherd India Media Pvt. Ltd.), released in 2011. He also had a special appearance in one Telugu feature film, Criminal directed by Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt.

Television career[link]

Lever also appeared on Zee TV, in his own show, Johny Aala Re.^[5] In 2007, he appeared as a judge on the stand-up reality show Comedy Circus.

He is also the president of CINTAA (Cine And T.V. Artist Association) which has its own television show called Superstars ka Jalwa on Star Plus. He is also the president of MAAM (Mimicry Artist Association Mumbai), and has done thousands of live shows all over the world. His younger brother, Jimmy Moses, is also a stand-up comedian and mimicry artist.^[6]

Personal life[link]

Lever is a Born Again Christian and has given various testimonies regarding his relationship with Jesus.^{[7][8][9][10]} He is married to Sujatha and has two children, a daughter Jamie and a son Jesse.^[11] His brother Jimmy Moses is also a famous stand-up comic who has worked on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Comedy Circus.

Controversies[link]

In 1998, Lever was convicted and sentenced for disrespecting the Indian National Anthem, constitution and the flag at a private function hosted by Anees Ibrahim Kaskar.^[12] However all charges against him were dropped and he was sent home within one day.

Filmography[link]

• Ek Nai Paheli (29 June 1984)
• Tum Par Hum Quarban (1985)
• Love 86 (14 February 1986) ...... Uttam
• Main Balwaan (28 November 1986)
• Jalwa (1987) ...... Muthu (The Masseur)
• Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam (15 January 1988) ...... Srivastav's Servant
• Kasam (15 April 1988)
• Hatya (3 June 1988)
• Aakhri Adalat (10 June 1988) ...... Havaldar
• Hero Hiralal (21 October 1988)
• Tezaab (10 November 1988) ...... Kainchi
• Suryaa (10 February 1989)
• Ilaaka (12 May 1989)
• Mujrim (28 June 1989) ...... Shankar's PA
• Jaadugar (25 August 1989) ...... Nilkant
• Kala Bazar (6 October 1989) ...... Kutti Chai Walla
• Chaalbaaz (8 December 1989) ...... Special appearance as Johny Baba Tantrik
• Main Azaad Hoon (15 December 1989) ...... Protester (Uncredited)
• Kafan (1990)
• Khatarnak (1990)
• Kishen Kanhaiya (9 March 1990) ...... Lobo
• Bandh Darwaza (1 June 1990)
• Raeeszada (1991)
• Ajooba Kudrat Ka (1991)
• Vishnu Deva (15 February 1991) ...... Havaldar #1
• Narsimha (5 July 1991) ...... Tempo Dada
• Jungle Ka Beta (1992)
• Geet Milan Ke Gaate Rehenge (1992)
• Khiladi (5 January 1992) ...... Anna Pillai
• Humla (29 May 1992) ...... Shiva's Friend
• Chamatkar (8 July 1992) ...... Cricket Commentator
• Insaniyat Ke Devta 1993) ...... Muthuswamy
• Teri Payal Meree Geet (1993)
• Yugandhar (1993)
• Aansoo Bane Angaarey (1993)
• Anari (26 March 1993) ...... Bablu
• Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (16 April 1993)
• Anmol (27 August 1993) ...... Himself (Special appearance)
• Santan (12 November 1993) ...... Kalia
• Baazigar (12 November 1993) ...... Babulal
• Aulad Ke Dushman (3 December 1993) ...... Johny
• Bhagyawan (10 December 1993)
• Masti (1994)
• Mahakaal (1994)
• Zamane Se Kya Darna (14 January 1994)
• Kanoon (1 April 1994)
• Anjaam (22 April 1994) ...... Champa Chameli
• Saajan Ka Ghar (29 April 1994)
• Ekka Raja Rani (24 June 1994) ...... Guruji (Dancemaster)
• Juaari (8 July 1994)
• Prem Yog (23 August 1994)
• Main Khiladi Tu Anadi (23 September 1994) ...... Dhansukh
• Criminal (14 October 1994)
• Yaar Ghaddar (4 November 1994) ...... Police Inspector
• Mr Azad (23 December 1994)
• Inteqam Ke Sholey (1995)
• Dilbar (1995)
• Karan Arjun (13 January 1995) ...... Linghaiyya
• Criminal (4 August 1995)
• Rock Dancer (3 November 1995) ...... Police Inspector
• Ram Shastra (9 November 1995) ...... Reporter Raja
• Haqeeqat (29 December 1995) ...... Tony
• Jaan (17 May 1996) ...... Damru
• Himmatwar (14 June 1996)
• Hahakar (5 July 1996) ...... Chamcha
• Daraar (5 July 1996) ...... Hari
• Indian (July 1996) (Dubbed as Hindustani in Hindi).....PaneerSelvam (aka Subhar Lal in Hindi version)
• Bhishma (26 July 1996) ...... Natwar
• Sapoot (8 November 1996)
• Raja Hindustani (15 November 1996) ...... Balvant Singh
• Dushman Duniya Ka (22 November 1996)
• Jodidar (1997)
• Daayen (1997)
• Ghunghat (1997)
• Auzaar (28 February 1997) ...... Peter
• Judaai (28 February 1997) ...... Hiralal
• Kaalia (28 March 1997)
• Himalyaputra (4 April 1997) ...... Joe
• Agni Morcha (4 April 1997)
• Koyla (18 April 1997) ...... Shanker's Friend
• Do Aankhen Barah Haath (11 July 1997) ...... Rickshaw Walla
• Yes Boss (18 July 1997) ...... Madhav Advani, aka MAD
• Judge Mujrim (12 September 1997)
• Krishna Arjun (1 October 1997)
• Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi (10 October 1997) ...... Bandaged patient on street
• Deewana Mastana (10 October 1997) ...... Ghafoor
• Ishq (28 November 1997) ...... Ranjit's brother-in-law
• Barsaat Ki Raat (1998)
• Yeh Aashiqui Meri (16 January 1998)
• Miss 420 (23 January 1998) ...... Tony Fernandes
• Ustadon Ke Ustad (20 March 1998)
• Aakrosh: Cyclone Of Anger (3 April 1998) ...... Gopi
• Keemat: They Are Back (10 April 1998) ...... Sub-Inspector Ultappan
• Aunty No. 1 (1 May 1998)
• Jiyaala (1 May 1998)
• Mard (15 May 1998)
• Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (22 May 1998) ...... Mahesh
• Achanak (12 June 1998) ...... Johny.
• Dulhe Raja (10 July 1998) ...... Bankhey (Hotel Manager)
• Kareeb (17 July 1998) ...... Bighe Laal
• Iski Topi Uske Sar (17 July 1998) ...... Gabbar Singh/Mogamba/John Lobo
• Barood (7 August 1998) ...... Presenter
• Tirchhi Topiwale (11 September 1998) ...... Kadak K. Pillay
• Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (16 October 1998) ...... Col. Almeida, Camp Manager
• Soldier (20 November 1998) ...... Mohan/Sohan
• Wajood (11 December 1998) ...... Inspector Rahim Khan
• Heeralal Pannalal (1999) ...... Heeralal (Double role)
• Ganga Ki Kasam (1999)
• Dulhan Banoo Mein Teri (1999)
• Benaam (1999) ...... Munna Mobile
• Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (22 January 1999) ...... Sunny Goyal
• Daag-The Fire (12 February 1999) ...... Sundar
• Laawaris (5 March 1999) ...... Gaflet
• International Khiladi (26 March 1999) ...... Focus
• Anari No. 1 (9 April 1999) ...... Daler Mehndi
• Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (16 April 1999) ...... Johny
• Sirf Tum (11 June 1999) ...... Niranjan
• Baadshah (27 August 1999) ...... Ramlal
• Hello Brother (10 September 1999) ...... Havaldar Hatella
• Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain (24 September 1999) ...... Sattu
• Khoobsurat (26 November 1999) ...... Special appearance (song)
• Jaanwar (23 December 1999) ...... Bajrangi
• Krodh (2000) ...... Prem
• Jwalamukhi (2000)
• Annarth (2000)...Ben Bose
• Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000) ...... Father/Son Lawyer Team
• Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000) ...... Maggi
• Meri Jung Ka Elaan (2000)
• Beti No.1 (2000) ...... Mulayamchand 'Mullu'
• Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal (2000)
• Kunwara (2000) ...... Gopal
• Mela (7 January 2000) ...... Inspector Pakkad Singh
• Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (14 January 2000) ...... Inspector Parab
• Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (15 January 2000) ...... Tour Manager Chirkund
• Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (21 January 2000) ...... Pappu Junior
• Badal (11 February 2000) ...... Gulel Singh Rangoli
• Dil Hi Dil Mein (21 April 2000)
• Hum To Mohabbat Karega (26 May 2000) ...... Kutti
• Joru Ka Ghulam (16 June 2000) ...... Kanhaiya
• Deewane (11 August 2000) ...... Okay
• Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (24 August 2000) ...... Chatterjee
• Fiza* (8 September 2000) ...... Laughing Club Comic
• Shikari* (6 October 2000) ...... Jafrani Sindhi Businessman
• Aaghaaz* (6 October 2000) ...... Rajni Deva
• Raju Chacha (20 December 2000) ...... Jaddu
• Farz (12 January 2001)
• Aashiq (26 January 2001)
• Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (9 March 2001) ...... Pappu Bhai
• Censor (6 April 2001) ...... Vikramjeet's First Assistant
• Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (29 June 2001) ...... Aslam Bhai
• Lajja (31 August 2001)
• Nayak (7 September 2001) ...... TV Cameraman Topi
• Ajnabee (22 September 2001) ...... Banu Pradhan (B.P.)
• Dial 100 (5 October 2001)
• Asoka (26 October 2001) ...... Magadha Soldier
• Arjun Devaa (23 November 2001)
• Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (14 December 2001)
• Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (21 December 2001) ...... Appu Khote
• Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare (2002) ...... Subramaniam
• Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (18 January 2002)
• Yeh Mohabbat Hai (8 February 2002) ...... Jaggi
• Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (22 February 2002) ...... Pakhandee Baba
• Angaar - The Fire (5 April 2002)
• Badmash No.1 (26 April 2002)
• Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai (26 April 2002) ...... Paresh Chaval (Painter)
• Awara Paagal Deewana (21 June 2002)...Chhota Chhatri
• Humraaz (5 July 2002) ...... Mr. Darshan
• Jaani Dushman 16 August 2002) ...... Parwana
• Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat (13 September 2002) ... Paajal
• Annarth (1 November 2002) .....Ben Bose, Music Director
• Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar 15 November 2002 ..... Natwar
• Karz - The Burden of Truth (6 December 2002) ..... Juggi
• Chalo Ishq Ladaaye (27 December 2002)
• Kucch To Hai (24 January 2003) ..... Popatlal
• Khushi (7 February 2003)
• Kaash Aap Hamare Hote (14 February 2003) ..... Native Indian Black Face
• Indian Babu (7 March 2003)
• Kaise Kahoon Ke Pyaar Hai (9 May 2003)
• Andaaz (23 May 2003) ...... G. I. Joe
• Chalte Chalte (13 June 2003) ...... Nandu (The Roadside Drunk)
• Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (27 June 2003) ...... Johnny
• Aisaa Kyon (8 August 2003)
• Koi Mil Gaya (8 August 2003) ...... Chelaram Sukhwani
• Market (12 September 2003)
• Janasheen (28 November 2003) ...... Johnny Chen
• God Only Knows! (16 January 2004) ...... Road Babe
• Hatya: The Murder (15 October 2004)
• Aabra Ka Daabra (24 December 2004)
• Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin (2005) ...... Chitra Gupta
• Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav (28 January 2005) ...... Yadav
• Khullam Khulla Pyaar Kare (29 April 2005) ...... Pashabhai
• Deewane Huye Paagal (25 November 2005) ...... Murgan
• Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? (17 February 2006)
• Banana Brothers (17 March 2006)
• Saawan... The Love Season (6 April 2006)....... Akhil Rao
• 36 China Town (5 May 2006) ...... KK
• Phir Hera Pheri (9 June 2006) ...... Munna
• Chashmebahadur (2006)
• Sandwich (2006)
• Fool n Final (2007) ...... Puttu Pilot
• Race (2008)
• Khallbali: Fun Unlimited (2008)
• Nidar - The Fearless (2008)
• Aap Jaisa Koi Nahin (2008)
• Mr Tikdambaaz (2008)
• Paying Guests (2008) ...... Ballu Ji
• All the Best: Fun Begins (2009)...... Tobu
• Aao Wish Karein (2009) ...... Hitchchock
• De Dana Dan (2009).......Kala Krishna Murari
• Dulha Mil Gaya (8 January 2010) ...... Krish
• Bhavnaon Ko Samjho (15 January 2010) ...... Vivaah Marriage Bureau
• Prem Kaa Game (26 February 2010) ...... Ramnik Chedda
• Khatta Meetha (23 July 2010) ......Anshuman
• Golmaal 3 (5 November 2010)
• Love Mein Ghum (Pakistani movie) (31 August 2011)
• Yamla Pagla Deewana (14 January 2011)
• Anbirkku Alavillai (scheduled for release in 2011)
• Masti Express (18 February 2011)
• Bin Bulaye Baraati (June 2011)
• Tell Me O Khuda (27 October 2011)
• Players (6 January 2012)
• Chaar Din Ki Chandni (9 March 2012)
• Housefull 2 (5 April 2012)

Playback singer[link]

• Chaalbaaz (8 December 1989)
• Ravan Raaj (23 June 1995)
• Achanak (12 June 1998)
• Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (21 December 2001)

Awards[link]

• 1997: Star Screen Award for Best Comedian: Raja Hindustani
• 1998: Filmfare Best Comedian Award: Deewana Mastana
• 1999: Filmfare Best Comedian Award: Dulhe Raja
• 2002: Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role: Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega

See also[link]

• List of Indian comedians
• List of stand-up comedians
• Johny Aala Re

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Johnny Lever

• Johnny Lever at the Internet Movie Database
• Johnny Lever on Zee TV
• Johnny Lever at MovieTalkies
• Johnny Lever at SurfIndia

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Sunny Deol
Born	Ajay Singh Deol (1956-10-19) 19 October 1956 (age 55) New Delhi, India[1]
Residence	Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Ethnicity	Punjabi
Occupation	Actor, Director, Producer
Years active	1983-Present
Spouse	Pooja Deol ਪੂਜਾ ਦਿਓਲ
Parents	Dharmendra, Prakash Kaur
Relatives	Bobby Deol (younger brother) Hema Malini (step-mother) Esha Deol (half-sister) Ahana Deol (half-sister) Abhay Deol (first cousin)

Sunny Deol is an Indian film actor, producer and director. Often referred to as "Action King of Bollywood".^[2] Deol was born to Bollywood actor Dharmendra.^[3] He has won two National Film Awards^[4] and two Filmfare Awards.^[5] He went to England to study acting. He joined theater called the Old Web Theater in Birmingham, England where he studied theatre and acting^[1]

Deol's films such as Border (1997) and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) remain some of Bollywood's biggest hits.,^[6] while films like Betaab (1983), Arjun (1985), Paap Ki Duniya (1988), Tridev (1989), Ghayal (1990), Damini – Lightning (1993), Darr (1993), Jeet (1996), Ghatak: Lethal (1996), Ziddi (1997), Indian (2001), The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003), Apne (2007), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) are other successful films thus making him successful leading actors of Bollywood.^[7][8] Gadar: Ek Prem Katha is the second-highest grossing movie of Indian film history, if inflation is taken into account ^[9] and also most watched of modern era in theaters.^[10]

Early life[link]

Deol was born into a Punjabi -Sikh family in Sahnewal village of East Punjab (India) to Bollywood actor Dharmendra^[11] and Prakash Kaur. Sunny is eldest son of Dharmendra. His stepmother is Hema Malini.^[12] He has a brother Bobby Deol and two sisters Vijayta Deol and Ajeeta Deol who are settled in California, he also has two half-sisters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.^[13] The former being an actress, has worked in some successful Bollywood flicks.His cousin Abhay Deol is also a successful actor.

Career[link]

1980s[link]

Sunny Deol made his film debut opposite debutant Amrita Singh in Betaab (1983) which was a blockbuster & launched both Sunny & Amrita Singh's career's. His performance won him his first Filmfare Best Actor Award Nomination.^[14] He then went through a lean phase for a couple of years until Rahul Rawail's Arjun (1985) came. He played the titular role of an unemployed youngster in Arjun. The film went on to become a major hit and established Sunny’s status as an action hero. What followed were a bunch of hits like Dacait (1987), Yateem (1988) and Paap Ki Duniya (1988)^[15] In 1989, he had back to back hits with Rajiv Rai's Tridev and Pankaj Parashar's Chaalbaaz^[16][17]

1990s[link]

With his portrayal of an amateur boxer wrongly accused of his brother’s murder in Rajkumar Santoshi's Ghayal, Sunny proved that he still ruled the industry when it came to action sequences. Produced by the home banner Vijayta Films, the movie was an instant hit with the masses and went on to win seven Filmfare Awards.^[18] His performance won him his first Filmfare Best Actor Award and also his first National Film Award.^[19] In 1991, Sunny starred in about 5 films but only Narsimha was a success. Rajiv Rai's Vishwatma was Sunny's only release in 1992. His role of a lawyer in Damini – Lightning (1993) fetched him several awards and accolades in Bollywood. He shared screen space with Juhi Chawla and Shah Rukh Khan in Yash Chopra’s blockbuster Darr. In the mid-nineties he delivered four big hits in a row Jeet (1996), Ghatak: Lethal (1996), Ziddi (1997) and Border (1997)^[20] In 1999, after starring opposite Juhi Chawla in Arjun Pandit, Sunny Deol tried his hand at direction and helmed Dillagi. He also acted alongside younger brother Bobby Deol and Urmila Matondkar in his directorial debut, which was very well appreciated by critics^[21]

2000s[link]

In 2001, he starred in the film Farz opposite Preity Zinta.^[22] Sunny played the role of lorry driver Tara Singh who falls in love with a Muslim girl in Anil Sharma’s Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. The partition saga went to become an all time blockbuster and was the highest grossing Bollywood film ever that time^[23] and currently 5th highest grossing Bollywood film.^[24][25] He was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his portrayal.^[26] His third release that year saw him playing the title role in the action film Indian, a remake of the Tamil film Vallarasu in which Sunny essayed the character of DCP Rajshekhar Azad, an honest police officer. The movie was a success.^[22] Sunny’s next few projects were extremely patriotic in nature and struck a chord with audiences across the country. He played the role of an Indian military officer in Maa Tujhhe Salaam and essayed the character of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad in 23rd March 1931: Shaheed.

In 2003 Sunny Deol teamed up with director Anil Sharma yet again for The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, which also starred Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra in her first onscreen appearance.^[27] which released on 11 April and was billed as Bollywood's most expensive film that time with an estimated budget of 60 crore (US$11.97 million)^[28] The film received mostly positive reviews from critics and became the third highest-grossing Bollywood film of that year^[29] Sunny made an appearance alongside Dharmendra and Bobby Deol in Apne (2007)^[30] and then yet again in Yamla Pagla Deewana^[31][32]

2010s[link]

Deol's first release of 2010 was Right Yaaa Wrong.^[33] The film was critically successful, but moderately successful commercially.^[34] Yamla Pagla Deewana was Sunny's only release in 2011 and one of the biggest successes of the year^[35] In 2011, he started working in Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru's I Love New Year opposite Tannishtha Chatterjee and in Chandraprakash Dwivedi's Mohalla Assi opposite Sakshi Tanwar but for some reason's both films have been delayed.For the first time in his career, Sunny will lend his voice (for Bheem) in the Animated film Mahabharata; produced by Jayantilal Gada of PEN India Pvt Ltd. His future ventures includes Sangeeth Sivan's Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, Anil Sharma's Singh Saheb The Great, Rahul Rawail's Ghayal Returns and Rajkumar Santoshi's Next.

Personal life[link]

Sunny Deol has always maintained a low profile in the media about his personal life. He is married to Pooja Deol. His wife has never faced the media till date like other celebrity wives. The couple have two sons Karan Deol(21) and Rajvir Deol(17).His elder son is set to make debut^[36][37]

Awards and nominations[link]

Apart from National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards and other competitive awards which Deol won for his performances throughout the years, he has been awarded several honours for his achievements in the Indian film industry.

Filmography[link]

Actor[link]