‘Comedians have one of the world’s scariest jobs’

Jamie Lever performs on stage

This writer has always been amazed at the ability of some people to make others laugh without any effort. A quick retort, a facial expression or a mimicry can cue howls of much needed laughter through a serious room. Jamie Lever should know. She grew up watching one of India's first and greatest stand-up comics - and those are the right words to use - in Johnny Lever.

"This is every comedian's dream to go on a stadium tour," the 36-year-old says, adding that her work over the last 10 years has been building up to this point. "I suppose the one-woman show has been years of gathering content, learning, growing and failing. After all, I will be performing all alone for two-hours straight," she points out.

Jamie's experience with the big stage is not new. Having grown up around the name of Johnny Lever, she also started accompanying him on tours early in her career. "The stage has been home for me. I have done close to 300 shows, many of them with my father. In hindsight, that was good training," she notes.

Jamie Lever with her father Johnny Lever at a performance

It has helped her adapt to the changing nature of the comedy circuit. From performing on television on shows such as Comedy Circus, working red carpet gigs, the OTT series Pop Kaun? and now, films, Jamie has been multitasking. But a live audience is different, she says.

Can it get tough? "Oh yes, I am a nervous wreck when I get on stage every time," she exclaims, much to our surprise. For someone who is quite the sensation on social media, her remark seems made up. She explains, "The moment you have the first trickle of laughter, you know the audience is hooked. Then, you have to ride the wave. But the moments before you crack that first joke can be terrifying."

Comedians have no resource other than themselves. "It is one of the scariest jobs in the world. You have to be on your toes. Someone once told me that comedians have three brains - one for the joke they cracked, one for the joke they are narrating, and another for the one that follows," she says.

It is important to crack that code, especially if you carry the surname ‘Lever' as your calling card. This was more challenging when she started out, Jamie admits. "I remember my first performance was a 10-minute gig on his [Johnny Lever's] show. Now, nobody can imagine him being serious. But he pulled me to the side before the show and said, "This is my audience. They are here to see me. Now, I have given you a chance, so you better get this right.' So, no pressure," the comedian laughs.

Such an audience also comes with a lot of love, and a curiosity. "They are always curious about how we are at home. How does my mom speak? Or how is dad at home?" she chuckles. Does the name become a burden? No, she retorts, "I don't think the audience is looking for him in me. I am Johnny Lever's daughter, and inevitably his mannerisms will come through. Ab DNA mein hai, kya hi karun? But it has taken me time to carve a path. And I add a touch of merawala tadka to my performances. I don't take that responsibility lightly," Jamie points out.

The name is the least of Johnny Lever's legacy. His instinct for humour runs through the family. "My brother [Jessey] is just as funny," Jamie shares. "We have this inborn thing of wanting to make people laugh, and not just on stage. Humour is instinctive. You can teach someone lines and delivery, but timing is an instinct. I think I have it from my dad."

This instinct will be sharpened into a performance that will channelise multiple art forms - mimicry, impersonations, situational sketches and stand-up comedy - at the two performances over this weekend. "That is the school I come from. I use everything from my face, my voice, my dance skills to catch my audience's attention. There will be close to 11 characters I will play as part of the sketch. So, there will be a lot of content built up over the last decade, from obscure to the personal," she shares. No pressure, as they say.

On: February 17, 7.30 pm; February 18, 8.30 pm
At: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli; Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, Hiranandani Meadows, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West.
Log on to: in.bookmyshow.com
Cost: Rs 500 onwards