Johnny Aala Re: On your television screen

Deadline phobic

On why he played hard-to-get for the small screen, he offers, "I wasn't acting pricey for TV. My phobia is for the hectic deadlines and constant daily pressure of shooting for daily soap-serials. I will probably end up in the nearest hospital due to over-exertion.

So I kept turning down dozens of TV serial offers. At the same time, I have my huge fan-following as a Bollywood comedian and I did not want to lose my star identity amidst a huge jhamela of TV characters," says the comedian.

Brainstorming with Akashdeep

So what finally lured him? "Actually, when Akashdeep, whom I know since way back in '86 — when I made my debut in Jalwa, approached me, I was skeptical.

But after a marathon brainstorming session with him, I felt charged and convinced about hosting a weekly TV show, which would be my exclusive brand repertoire. Making audiences laugh is considered much more difficult than enacting the rona-dhona scenes. Hansaana koi mazaak thodi hai," quips Johnny flashing his trademark wide-eyed grin.

Director speaks

Meanwhile Akashdeep feels that this Johnny Lever show would have a huge edge over other TV comedy shows.

"Almost every comedian or mimicry artiste in India considers Johnny bhai as their Guru. Even Sunil Pal, the current All India Laughter Challenge Champ has gone on record that he owes his success to the training and inspiration from Lever.

Besides the stand-up assortment of gags, pungent punchlines there would be songs, dances, skits and guest appearances by showbiz celebs and foreign artistes.

And to avoid any 'deja vu' reactions, Johnny is very particular that he will include only absolutely new stuff in his peshkash, a sort of friendly tsunami of humour," insists the director.