Humour is like a dessert that must be served at the end of each meal, one cannot go without it, opines actor and comedian Jamie Lever. Daughter of the legend of Indian comedy Johnny Lever, Jamie loves living her passion of making people laugh. Very soon she would be seen on the big screen along with Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and her father, in Housefull 4. In a freewheeling chat with TMM, Jamie talks about her love for music, passion for speed, and singer Asha Bhosle’s reaction to her performance. Excerpts from an interview:
Jamie Lever, From being a marketing executive at the London-based market research agency to becoming a female comedian, how would you describe this journey?
I went from working behind a computer every day 9 am-5pm to performing in front of thousands of people. It has been an eventful journey; I learnt a lot and look forward to every single day.
Jamie Lever, Can you describe your first experience on stage?
The first time I performed was at my father’s show in London, he literally auditioned me before I got on the stage and I remember being extremely petrified and super anxious. The moment I got on the stage, the lights hit my face and I just went for it. All the nervousness had vanished completely, all I wanted to do was make people laugh and I succeeded in that. I received my first standing ovation that day. I feel extremely proud of that moment and would cherish it forever.
A piece of advice that you always remember from your father.
Always be a student, one should never stop learning.
You have also been inclined towards music, when did you nurture the passion?
I started learning Hindustani classical at the age of 10 and I’ve been singing since. Music will always be a part of my life, even now when I’m free on weekends, I sing and worship at my local church. It gives me a lot of joy and satisfaction.
Tell us more about your musical project?
I just fell in love with this African song by Vanessa Mdee called ‘NIROGE’. All I wanted to do was learn the lyrics and create a rendition. One thing leads to another and I collaborated with a dear friend Rohan Melody you might have guessed by his last name that he created the track for me. We decided to mix it with Asha Bhosle ji’s famous hit ‘Jawani Janeman’ because I’ve been such a huge fan. And it turned out as a unique track with Hindi and African lyrics.
When it comes to singing, it seems you have been influenced by the legend Asha Bhosle. Have you met and acted in front of her, would you like to share the experience?
I have never met her! Although I was close to meeting her once, unfortunately, I missed the opportunity. But, I’ve been told that she has seen my videos and quite enjoyed it.
What do you think of today’s comedy?
Today’s comedy is out there, up front and bold. I just believe in keeping my style simple also maybe conservative, but I realise that my father and I cater to the masses. People can be emotional and sensitive towards a lot of things, so we keep it PG13 and that’s how we like it.
Tell us more about your Sunday binge eating
Oh, I’m so inspired by Shilpa Shetty! Her videos on eating what your heart desires on Sunday have made me gain a lot of weight though. This happens because my Sunday binge easily gets extended to Mondays and Tuesdays only and then I realise I’m binging all week (laughs). I think I must catch her yoga videos too.
You are also passionate about speed and cars, how did that come up?
Yes, I like cars, just bought myself a car recently so I did do a lot of research and I quite enjoyed it.
What is your advice to youngsters who want to venture into comedy?
Think about it seriously first!
RAPID FIRE
An ideal date would be: Lunch by the beach
Fitness mantra: Be consistent and don’t focus on the scale
My favourite comedian (Indian): Apart from my father: I love Sudesh Lahiri Ji’s comic timing and Kapil Sharma’s spontaneity
My favourite comedian (International): Carol Burnett
My inspiration: My father and uncle Jimmy Moses
Comfort food: Biryani, Moong Dal ka Halwa, Cake- any and all of it
Favourite place to travel: London
Favourite brand: Prada and Zara
Promising young talent (in comedy): Me? I’m young
By: Nilesh Rao
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