Quotes from Johnny Lever

Cinema is a larger-than-life representation. I wish to bring it to the small-screen.

To do comedy, there are so many hurdles one has to cross.

A good writer takes time to go in-depth into a subject and then comes out with a good script. Then it's the job of the actor and director to improvise with it and make it even better.

Comedy is tough. It is a serious business.

A good role is one that moves along with the story, like 'Baazigar' and 'Kareeb' for example. Similarly, I agreed to '36 China Town' and 'Phir Hera Pheri' because my characters in both films have a graph and are significant in moving the story ahead.

If I were to ever make a lot of money, I will invest in films.

Most filmmakers, who offer me roles say 'Johnny bhai, come on the sets and do what you feel like.' That isn't the way I like to work.

People often call me saying: 'Johnny, we have a role that we think only you can do.' If I like the character, then I instantly say yes to them.

My son had a tumour on his neck. We went for surgery but it failed because the tumour was difficult to remove. Later, we went to New York for his surgery. I was scared as his first operation had failed. I went to church and met a pastor. He told me to go ahead, God would take care of everything. And the surgery was successful.

Back To Dad' gives a message that every youngster should learn and this is surely going to leave a very strong impact on the masses.

I was born a Roman Catholic but had never tried to read the Bible. Now, I ensure that I read it completely.

I do a lot of social service and I don't boast about it. I believe that if you give with one hand, the other hand shouldn't know of it. I don't believe in cheap publicity.

I focus on my work while some people unnecessarily complicate life.

I practice for hours in front of the mirror. I constantly deliver my routine in front of my friends.

Comedy comes from childhood only. The humour genes you are born with remain with you. I was always making mischief and making people laugh.

If I don't make myself laugh I would be a very miserable person.

I have done many films and spoke different languages.

I started as a stand-up comedian at charity shows in Mumbai.

My son assisted a few directors and my daughter does stand up acts with me.

Stand-up comedy is a different game all together. You have to improvise on the spot if you feel that the audience isn't enjoying your performance. In a movie or serial, you are in a situation while on stage you create a situation.

A person who is a comedian does comedy in real life, too. But then there are others, too, who are very good in real life, but can't perform in front of the camera. They get nervous. Nevertheless, an inborn comedian does comedy whether he is in films or not.

Standup is like shorthand. Every bit must be both brief and profound or the audience will lose interest.

In standup, you must be able to hypnotize the audience.

For artists like me nothing matters more than the audience's respect.