Johnny Lever takes dig at today's actors and comedians, says ‘no aukaat to stand before us': ‘They copy and think chal jayega'

Indian Express

24-07-2025

Veteran comedian Johnny Lever recently voiced his concern about the changing nature of comedy in films and stand-up routines today. With over 300 films to his credit in a career spanning more than four decades, Lever has long been regarded as a clean, family-friendly performer. But in a new interview, he shared his disappointment over how easily comedy now leans on vulgarity and double entendre.
In a candid conversation with actress Kunickaa Sadanand on her YouTube channel, Lever said, 'People are freely abusing today because of Hollywood films. In the West, it's common to use foul language and make crass jokes, and now our actors and comedians are copying that. They've developed a habit. They only watch English films now.'
Kunickaa agreed, noting, 'A lot of them don't even know Hindi properly anymore.'
Johnny Lever went on to explain how this shift has affected sensibilities. 'They pick up exact things from Hollywood, thinking, 'Chal jayega, kya farq padta hai.' That's how double meaning jokes have become so common.'
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The veteran comedian didn't hold back from commenting on the current wave of stand-up comedy either: 'Most of today's stand-up content is full of double meanings. But when we were trained in the craft, we were taught never to take that route. If we start speaking double meaning, these new guys won't even be able to stand before us. But we never chose that path.'
He concluded by throwing a subtle challenge to today's comedians: 'If they are really talented, I challenge them—say something clean and still make people laugh. That is the real test. I'm not saying they're bad, people are enjoying their content. But I have a family audience. I have to be answerable to that.'
He shared that his daughter Jamie Lever too holds solo shows and doesn't lean on vulgarity, following the footsteps of her father.
Meanwhile, Johnny Lever was recently seen in the film Housefull 5, which was criticised for its crass jokes and vulgarity.