Jamie Lever: If you are a fan and follower of the funny man of Bollywood, Johnny Lever, you couldn’t have missed how his daughter Jamie Lever is stepping into his shoes as a comedienne and entertainer of today.
The father-daughter comedian duo is famous on social media for posting their versions of online trends and mimicries. Recently, a video featuring the father-daughter duo along with Jessy Lever, Johnny Lever's younger son went viral. The trio gave a hilarious twist to the “Don’t rush” trend of social media and kept the audience hooked to the video. While Johnny Lever offers a whisk of nostalgia with his acts that manage to bring waves of laughter in every situation, Jamie Lever is a rising star making her name in the industry on her own, as a comedienne and actor. So here is all you need to know about Jamie Lever, a journey relatable to many.
Jamie Lever is the daughter of famous Indian comedian Johnny Lever and Sujata Janumala. She is known for performing hilarious acts and mimicries of Bollywood stars on comedy shows and Instagram. Lever has gained many appreciations for her perfect comic timing, hilarious and witty joke and presence of mind. Actor Vivek Oberoi appreciated Lever’s work as a comedienne and said that she was "truly continuing her father's legacy".
But her journey was not easy.
Jamie Lever: journey, nepotism and inspiration from father
Jamie Lever began her career in stand-up comedy in India in the year 2012. She performed as a stand-up comedienne at The Comedy Store in Mumbai in 2012. Then in 2013, she made her television debut as a stand-up comedienne with the SONY TV channel’s Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali. After becoming a known name in the TV industry, Jamie Lever began a new venture in the year 2014 as a part of Johnny Lever Live. She went on a worldwide tour and performed in over 160 shows as a comedienne with her father Johnny Lever. She also appeared as a guest or leading host of famous TV comedy shows.
Soon Jamie Lever became a renowned name in the industry as India's most prominent young female comedic performing artists.
Unlike the popular perception that star kids get easy access to success due to nepotism, Lever believes "My dad made it very difficult for me."
"He questioned me on my plans and how I was going to go forward. He was never in the picture. My friends have helped me out with contacts of casting directors. I made calls and auditioned,” Jamie Lever said in an interview. Because Johnny Lever figured out his career and opportunities himself, he wanted his daughter to be on her own too.
Lever also added, “People were curious about me, which is why some of my videos went viral. One such video went viral and reached Abbas-Mustan. That is how the journey started. These videos led to more work. So, for me, work got me more work. My father gets to know of my offers only when I tell him.”
Nepotism in Bollywood
Speaking further about nepotism in Bollywood, Lever said, “Not all-star kids are given the privilege. I’ve had a very different journey. There’s favouritism, there’s no nepotism, there’s favouritism to a certain lot.”
So how did Johnny Lever inspire the comedienne in Jamie Lever?
Jamie came to know that her father was the 'king of comedy' much later in her life. She didn’t watch 90 per cent of his film shootings and neither attended his stage shows. Although Michael Jackson and Mr Bean first inspired Lever's dream to become a comedian, her father supported and encouraged her to pursue it.
“I was inspired by his conduct, the discipline, the kind of person he was at home, such a perfectionist, so hard working and so dedicated to his craft. So, that was the kind of influence he had on me,” Lever admits.
What is it like to be a female comedian in India?
Undoubtedly, like any other aspect of society, there is gender discrimination at play in the field of comedy also. Jamie Lever agrees with the fact that representation of women in comedy is low but it has not bothered her much. “I am an artiste, a comedian. My competition is with any other actor or comedian, irrespective of their gender.” She also said that the mindset that women are not funny is prevalent in the industry and is particularly demotivating. “Earlier, I came in for strong judgement from the audience as a woman and daughter of the king of comedy in Bollywood. So, initially, it was difficult. Now, because they know me, they surrender as an audience.”
Her career in singing
Apart from being a comedienne, Jamie Lever is also known for her stint in acting, singing and dancing. She has also appeared in famous films like Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon and Housefull 4 in prominent roles. Moreover, she consistently posts videos of her singing and dancing on social media which garners many views and appreciations.
In fact, Lever is a trained professional in music and is looking forward to balancing her career in comedy with music. Talking about her interest in music, she revealed in an interview that her father “fuelled her interest in music”. “He always tells me that I should never quit singing. He keeps pushing me to continue my riyaaz. He believes that if anyone is talented, then he or she should respect and nurture it. If you do not, then it will leave you. He also tells me to keep learning.”
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