Johnny Lever throws shade at modern-day actors and comedians for relying on vulgarity, double-meaning jokes: 'No aukat to stand before us. They copy and think...'

Time of India

3 days ago

Johnny Lever has voiced his concerns about the increasing vulgarity and double-meaning jokes in modern Indian comedy, attributing it to Hollywood's influence. He challenges today's comedians to prove their talent by creating clean, skillful humor, emphasizing the importance of family-friendly content. Lever proudly notes his daughter, Jamie Lever, continues his legacy of clean comedy.
Johnny Lever
, one of India's most beloved comedians, is not mincing words when it comes to the current state of comedy. In a recent chat, the veteran performer took a sharp dig at modern-day actors and stand-up artists for leaning heavily on vulgarity and double-meaning jokes.
With over 300 films to his name and a career built on clean, skillful humour, Lever's critique carries weight—and a challenge to the next generation.
Hollywood's Influence on Indian Comedy
In a conversation with actress
Kunickaa Sadanand
on her YouTube channel, Johnny pointed out that the rising use of foul language and crass humour in Indian comedy is influenced by Hollywood. He criticised today's actors and comedians for blindly imitating Western content, noting that many now consume only English films.
Kunickaa too echoed Lever's concerns, adding that many young actors and comedians today lack a proper command of Hindi, further distancing themselves from traditional Indian comedic sensibilities.
A Shift in Comic Sensibility
The veteran comedian further explained that this shift in influence has impacted comedic sensibilities. He noted that many performers directly lift content from Hollywood, assuming it will work in the Indian context.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Bristol: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover
Reassured
Undo
This mindset, he said, has led to the widespread use of double-meaning jokes in today's comedy.
Stand-Up Under Fire
Johnny also weighed in on the current wave of stand-up comedy, criticizing its frequent reliance on double-meaning content. He emphasized that his generation of comedians was trained to avoid such shortcuts, and insisted that if seasoned performers like him resorted to that style, today's newcomers wouldn't be able to match up.
Yet, he added, they consciously chose to stick to clean, skillful comedy.
He wrapped up his thoughts with a subtle challenge to today's comedians, urging them to prove their talent by making people laugh without relying on vulgarity. He acknowledged that audiences may enjoy the current wave of content, but emphasized the importance of clean humour, especially for those who cater to a family audience—something he continues to hold himself accountable to.
Jamie Lever
Carries the Torch
Johnny also mentioned that his daughter, Jamie Lever, continues the legacy by performing solo shows without resorting to vulgar humour, staying true to the values he upholds.
Ironically, the veteran comedian was recently seen in Housefull 5—a film that came under fire for the very elements he criticises, including crass jokes and excessive vulgarity.