Jamie Lever reveals why she initially avoided using dad Johnny Lever's surname

Jamie Lever reveals why she initially avoided using dad Johnny Lever's surname (Image Credits Instagram)

Jamie Lever has opened up about the pressure of carrying her famous surname while trying to establish an identity of her own in comedy. The comedian-actor, who recently shared the stage with her father and veteran comedian Johnny Lever in Kolkata, said she initially did not want to use the ‘Lever’ surname professionally because it came with immense responsibility and expectations.

She also recalled how it took her 10–12 years to reach a point where audiences began recognising her for her own work.

Jamie Lever says the ‘Lever’ surname felt like a burden

Performing alongside Johnny Lever is an opportunity for Jamie to learn from a comedian she deeply admires. She said she does not view herself as simply another performer in her father’s show but approaches the experience as a student observing a master at work.“I think it’s just I’m not like in his show, I feel more like a student.

Even while I’m performing, I’m just observing a master at his craft, you know, perform and just create magic on stage,” she said to Hindustan Times. “I’m just like, I am just fully in student mode. I’m just like, I’m here to learn.”However, building her own identity in the entertainment industry meant confronting the expectations attached to her family name. Jamie admitted that the surname continued to weigh on her, even after years of working to establish herself as a comedian.

“Even to this date, I think that the surname Lever is so heavy on me. It weighs really heavy on me,” she said.

Why Jamie Lever initially did not want to use her father’s surname

Jamie revealed that she initially hesitated to use her father’s surname professionally. She recalled how producers questioned her decision and emphasised her connection to the celebrated comedian, making her conscious of the expectations that came with being Johnny Lever’s daughter.“But that is too much responsibility to take on. I need to find my voice now.

I need to really figure out what I’m good at or what I can offer,” she said.Explaining how the association affected her early years in the industry, Jamie added, “It was given to me or imposed on to me very early on. And then I carried that burden.”For Jamie, the challenge was not simply living up to her father’s reputation but discovering what she could bring to comedy in her own right. She wanted audiences to recognise her talent and individuality rather than view her work only through the lens of her father’s legacy.

Jamie says it took her 10–12 years to find her own identity

Jamie said it took her around 10–12 years to reach a stage where people began recognising her for her performances and work, without necessarily identifying her through her father.“Today, when people see me, they know me for what I do. They don’t have to really put my name alongside my father’s name, that she is Johnny Lever’s daughter,” she said.While the recognition has helped her establish an identity of her own, Jamie acknowledged that carrying forward her father’s legacy remains a significant responsibility.

She is conscious of the effort required to prove herself while following in the footsteps of one of India’s most recognisable comedians.“Then to take after him, to take forward the legacy, it’s like, wow, how do you match up? How do you even, you know, like, you have to work so hard to just prove yourself. That yes, you’re good,” she said.Jamie added that she does not take her position in the industry for granted and continues to work on improving her craft.“I don’t take my position lightly. I don’t ever feel like I made it so I can relax now. I’m still like working hard, practicing, growing, stretching myself and praying that God will increase my creativity. Because I feel like that surname comes with a lot of responsibility,” she said.

Johnny Lever’s advice to Jamie when she chose comedy

Despite the pressure associated with her surname, Jamie said her father has also recognised her as a comedian in her own right. She recalled Johnny watching her perform and later telling her, “you’re one of the best comics we have in our country.”His advice when she decided to pursue comedy was equally clear. Johnny warned her that the profession demanded complete commitment and that she could not approach it half-heartedly.“This is not easy. If you want to do this, you better go 100%. Don’t be half-hearted about it. Don’t go like half-baked. You know, you go in, you go all in. And if you don’t give your 100%, then just give”

Jamie Lever continues to build her career in comedy

Jamie played the role of Santosh in the 2025 film, 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2'and as Sulbha in the Amazon Prime Video series, 'Matka King' Season 1 alongside Vijay Varma, Sai Tamhankar and Kritika Kamra.