Latest news with #JohnyLever
News18
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Salman Khan, SRK Fired Fake Guns Outside Rakesh Roshan's Room During Karan Arjun: 'Both Of Them…'
Last Updated: Ashok Saraf reveals Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Johny Lever had fun pranking on Karan Arjun sets with firecrackers and fake guns. Before Karan Arjun became a '90s Bollywood classic, the film's set was a playground for some seriously chaotic fun. Veteran actor Ashok Saraf has shared a glimpse of the off-screen madness involving Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Johny Lever — and it involved fake guns and firecrackers! During a chat with Radio Nasha Official, Saraf confirmed that SRK and Salman kept things lively behind the scenes. When asked if the duo really fired fake guns and burst crackers outside director Rakesh Roshan's room, he said, 'Yes, yes. I never used to go wherever this was happening. Kisi ko sataana ho toh main door hu. But yes, both of them used to have a lot of fun." He added that Johny Lever often joined in on the mischief, but Saraf himself stayed on the sidelines. 'Aur unke saath mein Johny Lever bhi mil jaata tha. Uske saath main bhi fir, masti nahi karta tha par hota tha." The story lines up with what Rakesh Roshan previously shared on the same platform. The director recalled being woken up at night by 'guns going off" and 'bottles flying" near his room. Even Shah Rukh admitted to the chaos in the docu-series The Roshans, saying, 'Pinkie ji scolded me a lot. 'You are troubling Guddu (Rakesh) a lot. I didn't expect it from you.' Because, between Salman and me, I was slightly better behaved; at least on the face of it. I was like, 'I didn't do anything. It's all his (Salman) doing.' We were two young kids, really troubling a father figure, to be honest." Karan Arjun, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kajol, Rakhee Gulzar, and Amrish Puri, recently completed 30 years and was re-released in theatres to mark the milestone. Karan Arjun is a 1995 Bollywood action-drama that follows the story of two brothers, Karan and Arjun, who are brutally killed by their greedy uncle Durjan Singh for inheriting their father's wealth. Their mother, Durga, prays to the goddess Kali for justice, and years later, her sons are reborn as Ajay and Vijay in different families, unaware of their past lives. As fate brings them back together, memories of their previous lives begin to resurface, leading to a powerful reunion and a mission to avenge their deaths and fulfill their mother's vow. First Published: July 28, 2025, 08:20 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
When Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan burst crackers outside Rakesh Roshan's room
It has been 30 years since Karan Arjun was released, but the film remains etched in the memories of fans for its epic tale and the legendary chemistry between its two leading men, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Now, a recent interview with veteran actor Ashok Saraf offers new glimpses into the mischief and camaraderie that defined the film's behind-the-scenes moments. Speaking to Radio Nasha Official, Saraf confirmed long-circulating stories of the pranks the Khans would pull on set. 'Yes, yes,' he said when asked if Shah Rukh and Salman used to burst crackers and fire fake guns outside director Rakesh Roshan's room. 'I never used to go wherever this was happening. Kisi ko sataana ho toh main door hu (If someone's being troubled, I stay far away). But yes, both of them used to have a lot of fun.' According to Saraf, the duo wasn't alone. Their frequent partner-in-prank was none other than legendary comic Johny Lever. Saraf added, 'With him, I'd also... well, I wouldn't join in the pranks, but I'd be around.' In an earlier Radio Nasha interview, director Rakesh Roshan recalled, 'They would be outside my room shooting guns. I would be sleeping at night and I would hear guns going off, bottles flying. I would ask them, 'What are you doing?'' Despite the disruption, Roshan has always spoken fondly of his two leads, whom he considered like sons. Shah Rukh Khan, in the docu-drama The Roshans, reflected on those days with equal parts nostalgia and sheepishness. 'Pinkie ji scolded me a lot,' he admitted. ''You are troubling Guddu a lot. I didn't expect it from you.' Between Salman and me, I was slightly better behaved—at least on the face of it. I was like, 'I didn't do anything. It's all his (Salman) doing.' We were two young kids, really troubling a father figure, to be honest.' Released in 1995, Karan Arjun starred Shah Rukh and Salman as reincarnated brothers seeking vengeance for their mother (played by Rakhee Gulzar), with a powerful supporting cast including Kajol and Amrish Puri. The film was a massive hit and has since earned cult status in Indian cinema.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jamie Lever opens up about chilling close call with casting couch: ‘I thought I was safe being Johny Lever's daughter'
In an industry built on dreams, the path to stardom often conceals a grim reality. While the glamour of Bollywood continues to inspire millions, the film industry's long-standing problem with the casting couch is far from a secret. But what happens when even a star kid becomes a target? Actor-comedian Jamie Lever, daughter of veteran comic Johny Lever, recently shared a harrowing account of how she narrowly escaped being exploited by a con posing as an international film director. Her chilling experience sheds light on how even those with industry connections aren't always immune to the darker forces at play. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Product Management Design Thinking Finance Leadership healthcare Others Data Science Artificial Intelligence others CXO Technology Operations Management Healthcare Public Policy Digital Marketing Data Science MCA MBA Cybersecurity Data Analytics Management Project Management Degree Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details A 'Golden Surname' Isn't Always a Shield Speaking to Zoom, Jamie recalled how, early in her career, she believed her father's legacy would serve as a protective buffer. 'I had heard about casting couch incidents but thought I was safe, being Johny Lever's daughter. I considered it a blessing,' she admitted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo But before she had a manager, Jamie used to approach casting agents independently, often circulating her contact details for work opportunities. That's how she received a call from someone claiming to be an international director, looking to audition her for a role in a foreign film. The audition, conducted over a video call, turned into something disturbing. The man informed Jamie he was travelling and couldn't turn on his camera. He said there was no script, but that she'd be auditioning for a bold role. Then came the alarming request—he asked her to improvise a scene seducing a 50-year-old man, and strip during the performance. You Might Also Like: 'My wife thought I was mad': Comedian Johnny Lever reveals what he did to cope with son's cancer A Refusal That Could Have Saved Her Uncomfortable and suspicious, Jamie refused to comply. 'I said I'm not very comfortable with this. When there is a script, I will follow that,' she recounted. After ending the call, the reality hit her. Had she followed instructions, she could have been recorded and later blackmailed. 'That's when I realised how big a scam this could have been. They could have made a video and harassed me,' Jamie said. Her story isn't just a one-off incident. It's a cautionary tale of how even those born into Bollywood can fall prey to manipulative schemes, especially when trying to establish themselves independently. 'It Was Almost Like the Casting Couch Was Trending' Jamie's account is disturbingly echoed by actress Surveen Chawla, who opened up in a recent interview with Sidharth Kannan. Surveen revealed that there was a time when the casting couch was so pervasive, it felt 'trending.' You Might Also Like: 'Nahi milega, phir aa jaate ho': Comedian Gaurav Gupta's witty crowdwork with Pakistani audience amid Indo-Pak tensions sparks mixed reactions 'I felt like I had hit the end of the road,' she admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll of repeatedly being propositioned and punished for saying 'no'. 'There was rejection every time I had the audacity to say no. It was just filthy,' she confessed. Surveen, now known for acclaimed roles across films and streaming platforms, almost left the industry altogether. Yet, she chose to stay and forge her path on her terms.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Johny Lever's daughter Jamie was asked to strip on video call during an audition: ‘They said it's an international film, bold character'
Aspiring actors who aim to make it big in the movies often encounter many obstacles on their way but one of the worst things that they have to encounter is the presence of casting couch. People who claim to have decision making power in the movies exploit aspiring actors for sexual favours, and turn the industry into an inhospitable environment for those who are still trying to make their way. Actors who come from film families are often saved from such experiences because they know who to trust but recently, Johny Lever's daughter, Jamie, shared that she was once asked to strip on a video call in the name of an audition by someone posing to be a director of an international film. The experience left her 'petrified' as she had never faced something like this in Bollywood. Jamie shared that while she had heard people's experiences of casting couch, she believed that her father's presence in the industry was a 'big blessing.' She then recalled that in the early phase of her career, she did not have a manager and was representing herself. Since her contact details were widely circulated to a lot of casting agents, she once got a call from someone who was pretending to cast for an international film. 'They asked if I would like to audition. Such opportunities are a big deal for us so I hopped on to it and said yes,' she shared with Zoom. Jamie was told that the audition would be over a video call where she would be speaking to the director. 'They said we won't be sharing a script because we want some improvisation in the audition,' she recalled and said that soon after, she got a link for the meeting. As Jamie clicked on the link, her video was on, but the person on the other side claimed that they were in transit and thus, they couldn't switch on their video. 'The person who was posing as a director said, 'I am in transit so I can't switch on my video but this is an international film we are casting for and you fit well in the part. But there are a few things that we want to test',' she recalled. ALSO READ | Saiyaara Box Office Collection Day 6: Ahaan Panday–Aneeta Padda's film passes Rs 150 cr mark, paces ahead of Pathaan and Jawan Jamie was told that she was auditioning for a 'bold character' and that she wouldn't be required to do any comedy, unlike the many roles that she was being offered at that time. When she asked what she was required to do, the person on the other end asked her to make up a scene where she had to 'woo' an older man and suggested that she should strip. 'They said that you imagine there is a 50-year-old man in front of you and you are trying to woo this man, and eventually, there is an intimate scene. I said, 'I am not very comfortable with this. When there is a script I will follow that'. They said, 'There is no script, it is improvised so if you want to strip or if you want to say something or if you want to do something else, feel free to do that,' she recalled. As soon as she heard about stripping, Jamie's guards went up. 'I said 'Strip? No one told me about that. I am not comfortable doing this'. They said, 'But this is a very big project and we really want to cast you, it's a big opportunity for you'. I said, 'But sir, if you are expecting me to strip on this video call, I am not comfortable doing this and I wasn't informed about it'. Then I said, 'I don't even feel comfortable talking to you right now' and then I quickly switched off the video.' As soon as she hung up, Jamie realised that this could be a 'big scam.' 'That's when I realised that this could be such a big scam because had I done anything innocently, they could have made a video out of it, they could have harassed me and a lot of other things could have happened,' she said and added that it was a blessing that she had the presence of mind to get out when she did. The experience left Jamie 'petrified' as she had never faced anything like this in Mumbai. What shocked her even more that those who were trying to scam her must have been aware that she was Johny Lever's daughter and still dared to trap her. 'Even thinking about it is scary,' she said.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Johny Lever on consciously cutting down on work; here's what he says
Johny Lever Veteran comedian Johny Lever, who has entertained audiences for over four decades, has consciously cut down on work in recent years. The reason, he says, is simple - the lack of strong, inspiring roles. He adds, 'When someone approaches me with a project, I try to see how I can take it a notch higher with my inputs. If the role is not interesting, why would I ruin my name by taking up mediocre work?' 'Comedy pe zyada kaam nahi ho raha hai' Last seen in Housefull 5, Lever observes that comedy is no longer being explored as actively in films. 'Comedy ko kum kar diya hai, uss pe zyada kaam nahi ho raha hai. Comedy has become tough now. People are watching so much comedy in form of reels, toh aur zyada innovative comedy laaye kahan se? Also, we lack good comedy writers. Usually, we improvise and enhance a scene. Legends like Mehmood saab and Kishore Kumar saab would add their own inputs to the script. Hum bhi kar sakte hai par kuch likha toh ho. Kuch dhaancha ho toh uske upar kuch sajayenge na. Dhaancha hi nahi hai toh kya karenge? For now, there's only action in abundance in movies.' 'We used to observe people & imbibe their body language' Lever also feels there are very few actors today who are keen on doing comedy or who can pull it off well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo He says, 'The thing is, today everybody is trained in a film school. But the theoretical knowledge doesn't work on set. When you are on a set, you have to follow the cues of the team members. We used to observe people and imbibe their body language for our characters. Character ko andar se jeete the. Pagalon ki tarah kaam karte the. ' 'Comedy mera shauk tha aur phir mera profession ban gaya' One of the reasons he supported daughter Jamie Lever's decision to step into comedy is that he didn't receive that kind of support from his own father. 'Whenever I used to go on stage, my dad used to come to hit me. Once, I was performing at the Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai, and he came with a rubber pipe and began chasing me. The audience thought it was part of the act and started laughing and clapping,' he says. On a nostalgic note, he says, 'One day, I shot an ad and was paid Rs 25,000. It was equivalent to dad's provident fund, which he received after 25 years of service. That is when he realised, 'Mera beta kuch kar raha hai.' He would be surprised to see people clap and laugh while watching me perform. It opened his eyes. Comedy mera shauk tha aur phir woh mera profession ban gaya.' 'Comedy is in Jamie's blood' Lever, known for his roles in Baazigar, Koi… Mil Gaya, Awara Paagal Deewana and Golmaal Again, beams with pride when speaking about his daughter Jamie, who has carved a niche in the comedy space. 'See, that's in her blood. Initially, she didn't plan to pursue comedy as a career. She was studying in London. One day she visited a café with her friends where a live stand-up performance was on and she suddenly told her friends, 'Yeh barabar nahi kar raha. He is missing all the punches.' She pointed out where the comedian could have added the punches. Then she called her mom up and said she aspires to do stand-up. Pehle mujhe gussa aa gaya, because I've been through struggles, and I was worried that my daughter would also have to go through that,' he says.
