Johnny Lever has been a part of a number of films by writer-director Sanjay Chhel. Sanjay Dutt and Urmila Matondkar played the major characters in the famous comedian’s directorial debut, “Khoobsurat,” which celebrates its 45th birthday today. Chhel remembers the day when he asked Johnny Lever to make a cameo appearance in his movie.
According to him, “After we filmed for ‘Khoobsurat,’ we thought there was a need for a guest appearance in the film’s conclusion, so I had gotten in touch with Paresh Rawal, and then I incorporated Johnny Lever’s track in the movie.
Later, Johnny agreed to do it, but he cautioned Chhel to speak to the producer first since otherwise, he risked being taken for granted. “Johnny took the pay that the producer gave him since he could see that I was having trouble. That demonstrates how kind Johnny Lever is. He completed the picture and recognised the challenge facing a novice filmmaker like me.
The audience loved his performance, “Says Chhel. In addition to scripting movies like “Yes Boss” and “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,” which featured Johnny Lever in significant parts, Chhel has seen him play live in front of 50,000 spectators at the Brabourne Stadium and Versova Village.
“He has a very open mind and a kind heart, and the audience can relate to him because of this. There probably won’t be a larger stand-up comedian in India than Johnny Lever. His tapes have been heard by many people who now know what stand-up comedy is. He is a physician. Sometimes I bring sick folks to meet him, and his kindness and humour make them feel better “Chhel draws a bow.
