Johnny Lever recalls working at a liquor store, selling pens for survival during childhood days

Recently, Johnny Lever appeared as a guest on Twinkle Khanna aka Mrs Funnybones’s chat show ‘The Icons’. As expected from the king of comedy, Johnny Lever was at his casual best. During the candid chat, Johnny opened up about his childhood days. The Phir Hera Pheri actor spoke about his upbringing in the slums of Dharavi, father’s alcoholism and family’s financial struggle.

Johnny Lever recalls his childhood days

When asked how his life was before he became a comedian, Johnny shared, “Mere daddy hai na bohot hi sharab peete the. Unko jyada ghar ka ye nahi hota tha. Hum apne uncle se paise mangate the. Toh rashan ke liye, ghar ke liye chahiye paise toh uncle se paise lena bina. Toh bura bhi lagta tha mujhe baar baar kya puchna aunty se jaake (My dad was an alcoholic. We used to ask for money from my uncle. For basis grocery we used to ask our uncle for money. We used to feel bad to ask our aunt for money again and again)”

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Given Johnny Lever’s poor condition, he used to work at a liquor store to support his family. At that time, Johnny was still studying in school. Recalling his tough days, Johnny said, “slums mein rehte the na toh school se aake mein daaru ke aade pe aake kaam karta tha. Joh bhi paise milte the usko mein ghar ke kharche ke liye dete tha (I used to live in the slums so when I came back from school, I used to work at a liquor shop. Whatever money I used to earn, I would give it for the household expenses)”

That’s not all, Johnny also used to sell pens for survival. The actor shared, “Phir maine pen beche hai footpath pe bakda laga ke. Toh pen beche hai. Pen nahi beche toh fir maine actor logon ke nakal karke pen beche hai (laughs) (I used to sell pens on the sidewalk. When pens were not selling, I used to mimic actors)”

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Johnny is one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood. Over the years, he has been a part of movies like Phir Hera Pheri, Golmaal Again, and Baazigar among others. Given his terrific work, Johnny is irreplaceable in the industry.

Also Read: A life in slums, a son suffering from tumour; Johnny Lever recalls the incidents that changed him

Mamta Naik

Content Writer