Johnny Lever, one of India’s most beloved comedians, is not mincing words when it comes to the current state of comedy. In a recent chat, the veteran performer took a sharp dig at modern-day actors and stand-up artists for leaning heavily on vulgarity and double-meaning jokes. With over 300 films to his name and a career built on clean, skillful humour, Lever’s critique carries weight—and a challenge to the next generation.
Hollywood’s Influence on Indian Comedy
In a conversation with actress Kunickaa Sadanand on her YouTube channel, Johnny pointed out that the rising use of foul language and crass humour in Indian comedy is influenced by Hollywood. He criticised today’s actors and comedians for blindly imitating Western content, noting that many now consume only English films.Kunickaa too echoed Lever’s concerns, adding that many young actors and comedians today lack a proper command of Hindi, further distancing themselves from traditional Indian comedic sensibilities.
A Shift in Comic Sensibility
The veteran comedian further explained that this shift in influence has impacted comedic sensibilities. He noted that many performers directly lift content from Hollywood, assuming it will work in the Indian context. This mindset, he said, has led to the widespread use of double-meaning jokes in today’s comedy.
Stand-Up Under Fire
Johnny also weighed in on the current wave of stand-up comedy, criticizing its frequent reliance on double-meaning content. He emphasized that his generation of comedians was trained to avoid such shortcuts, and insisted that if seasoned performers like him resorted to that style, today’s newcomers wouldn’t be able to match up. Yet, he added, they consciously chose to stick to clean, skillful comedy.He wrapped up his thoughts with a subtle challenge to today’s comedians, urging them to prove their talent by making people laugh without relying on vulgarity. He acknowledged that audiences may enjoy the current wave of content, but emphasized the importance of clean humour, especially for those who cater to a family audience—something he continues to hold himself accountable to.
Jamie Lever Carries the Torch
Johnny also mentioned that his daughter, Jamie Lever, continues the legacy by performing solo shows without resorting to vulgar humour, staying true to the values he upholds.Ironically, the veteran comedian was recently seen in Housefull 5—a film that came under fire for the very elements he criticises, including crass jokes and excessive vulgarity.
