Johnny Lever, considered one of India’s most beloved comedians, just isn’t mincing phrases in terms of the present state of comedy. In a current chat, the veteran performer took a pointy dig at modern-day actors and stand-up artists for leaning closely on vulgarity and double-meaning jokes. With over 300 movies to his identify and a profession constructed on clear, skillful humour, Lever’s critique carries weight—and a problem to the following technology.
Hollywood’s Affect on Indian Comedy
In a dialog with actress Kunickaa Sadanand on her YouTube channel, Johnny identified that the rising use of foul language and crass humour in Indian comedy is influenced by Hollywood. He criticised at present’s actors and comedians for blindly imitating Western content material, noting that many now eat solely English movies.Kunickaa too echoed Lever’s considerations, including that many younger actors and comedians at present lack a correct command of Hindi, additional distancing themselves from conventional Indian comedic sensibilities.
A Shift in Comedian Sensibility
The veteran comic additional defined that this shift in affect has impacted comedic sensibilities. He famous that many performers immediately elevate content material from Hollywood, assuming it should work within the Indian context. This mindset, he stated, has led to the widespread use of double-meaning jokes in at present’s comedy.
Stand-Up Below Fireplace
Johnny additionally weighed in on the present wave of stand-up comedy, criticizing its frequent reliance on double-meaning content material. He emphasised that his technology of comedians was educated to keep away from such shortcuts, and insisted that if seasoned performers like him resorted to that model, at present’s newcomers wouldn’t be capable to match up. But, he added, they consciously selected to stay to wash, skillful comedy.He wrapped up his ideas with a refined problem to at present’s comedians, urging them to show their expertise by making individuals snigger with out counting on vulgarity. He acknowledged that audiences might benefit from the present wave of content material, however emphasised the significance of unpolluted humour, particularly for individuals who cater to a household viewers—one thing he continues to carry himself accountable to.
Jamie Lever Carries the Torch
Johnny additionally talked about that his daughter, Jamie Lever, continues the legacy by performing solo reveals with out resorting to vulgar humour, staying true to the values he upholds.Sarcastically, the veteran comic was lately seen in Housefull 5—a movie that got here beneath hearth for the very components he criticises, together with crass jokes and extreme vulgarity.
