Global Talent Directory

Comedians from India

The comedian directory for India: profiles, bios, photos and social links.

29 comedians

Javed Jaffrey

Javed Jaffrey, whose given name is Syed Jaaved Ahmed Jaffrey, functions as an Indian actor, dancer, producer, and comedian. He pursued psychology studies at National College, demonstrating early interests beyond performance. Jaffrey’s career began with a film role in 'Meri Jung' in 1985, where he portrayed a villain and also showcased his dancing abilities. This early work established him within the Hindi film industry as an actor. Javed Jaffrey’s comedic talents gained significant recognition through appearances on cable TV channels like Channel [V] during the 1990s. He is known for his engaging presence and versatility, which led to roles portraying Indian characters in the Pakistani show 'Loose Talk'. From 1996 to 2014, he co-hosted the popular dance competition 'Boogie Woogie' alongside his brother Naved Jaffrey and Ravi Behl. Beyond live-action comedy, the actor has achieved recognition as a voice artist; for example, he provided the voice of Charlie Anna in the animated movie 'Roadside Romeo' released in 2008. His involvement in advertising stretches back to the 1980s, including a lengthy association with Maggi commercials. Jaffrey’s contributions extend beyond acting and hosting; he has also ventured into production, co-producing films such as 'Inshallah', 'Football', and 'Inshallah, Kashmir'. He has commentated on shows like 'Takeshi's Castle' and 'Ninja Warrior,' further highlighting his comedic timing and ability to engage an audience. His performance in 'Salaam Namaste' (2005) earned him an IIFA Award for best comic role, highlighting his considerable influence within Indian cinema. Syed Jaaved Ahmed Jaffrey became a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in March 2014 and participated in that year’s Indian general election as a candidate from Lucknow, where he placed fifth. He has received a life membership of International Film And Television Club of Asian Academy of Film & Television, and served as brand ambassador for the first India International Animation and Cartoon Film festival in 2015. He also hosted award shows like Filmfare and Zee Cine Awards, and shows like 'Big Googly' and 'Once More' on Epic channel, demonstrating his continued presence in the entertainment landscape.

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India

Johnny Lever

John Prakash Rao Janumala, known professionally as Johnny Lever, is an Indian actor and comedian recognized for his contributions to Hindi cinema. Born on August 14, 1957, in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, he grew up in the King's Circle area of Matunga, Mumbai. Recognized as a leading comedian within Indian Cinema, he has performed in more than three hundred Hindi movies. His total film appearances surpass 350, beginning with the Tamil feature film 'Annarikkal Avalivathillai'. His family background is Telugu Christian. Johnny Lever’s career began in 1984. Financial difficulties led him to leave school and pursue odd jobs before he quit his position at Hindustan Unilever in 1981 to focus on performing. He gained experience through stand-up comedy in musical shows and orchestras, and his mimicry skills opened doors for stage performances. Sunil Dutt noticed him during one of these shows and provided his first break in ‘Dard Ka Rishta’. In 1982, he embarked on a tour alongside Amitabh Bachchan and subsequently released a comedy cassette titled 'Hasi Ke Hangame'. The film ‘Baazigar,’ directed by Abbas-Mustan, gave him a lot of recognition for his role as ‘Babulal’. He is skilled at mimicking film stars. Throughout his career, Johnny Lever has received significant recognition for his comedic talent. He has earned thirteen Filmfare Award nominations for Best Performance in a Comedic Role, winning twice: once for ‘Deewana Mastana’ (1997) and again for ‘Dulhe Raja’ (1998). He also secured the Star Screen Award for Best Comedian in 1997 for 'Raja Hindustani'. Notable films include ‘Baazigar’, ‘Badshah’, ‘Karan Arjun’, ‘36 China Town’, ‘Ajnabi’, ‘Yes Boss’, ‘Nayak: The Real Hero’, ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, ‘Raja Hindustani’, and ‘Koi... Mil Gaya’. He hosted a television program, Johny Aala Re, on Zee TV. Additionally, he acted as a judge on the stand-up reality series Comedy Circus in 2007, and on another reality show that same year. He is married to Sujatha Lever since 1984, and they have two children, Jamie and Jessy; his daughter, Jamie Lever, is also an actress, and his younger brother, Jimmy Moses, is a comedian and mimicry artist.

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India

Komal

Komal is the professional name of Komal Kumar Shivalingappa, an Indian actor and film producer who operates in Kannada cinema. Born on July 4, 1973, he hails from a family of industrialists and completed his education in Ooty. Although he initially contemplated a career as a civil servant or cinematographer at Pune's Film and Television Institute, he eventually chose a different course. His acting debut occurred in 1992 with 'Mag Super Nan Maga' as a second lead, marking the beginning of a prolific career that has spanned over 100 films. Komal began his career playing comedic roles as a supporting actor before transitioning to lead roles. He is frequently recognized for his comedic timing, often compared to that of his brother, actor Jaggesh, with whom he frequently collaborates professionally. His younger brother, Jaggesh, is also a Kannada actor, and their family includes actors Gururaj and Yathiraj, who are his nephews. Komal starred in 'Military Mava' in 1993 under the stage name Chiranjeevi, and has since taken on lead roles in films such as 'Chamakasi Chindi Udisi,' 'Mr. Garagasa,' 'Mariyada Ramanna,' and 'Kal Manja.' His film 'Govindaya Namaha,' released in 2012, achieved blockbuster status. Throughout his career, Komal has received recognition for his contributions to Kannada cinema. He won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2003 for 'Thavarige Baaji' and a South Filmfare Award in 2006 for 'Neenello Nanalle.' He also appeared in 'Vishnuvardhana' and 'Nenello Nanalla' in 2006. Beyond acting, Komal is involved in film production and distribution, operating under the banner Soundarya Lahari Combines with his wife, Anasooya, who is also a producer; she produced 'Kal Manja.' Recently, he starred in 'Undenama' (2023) as an engineer preoccupied with marriage. For his role as Kempegowda in 'Kempegowda 2' (2019), he underwent a significant physical transformation, losing 26 kilograms.

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India

Shakti Kapoor

Shakti Kapoor, born Sunil Kapoor on September 3, 1952, is an Indian actor and comedian primarily known for his work in Bollywood films. Originating from Delhi, he comes from a Punjabi Hindu family; his father owned a clothing shop in Connaught Place. He studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), marking an early step in his pursuit of a career in film. His Bollywood journey began in 1977 with Khel Khilari Ka , and the years 1980 and 1981 proved pivotal, solidifying his presence with roles in films like Qurbani and Rocky . He currently resides in Juhu, Mumbai. Kapoor’s comedic style frequently involves collaborations with actors such as Asrani and Kader Khan, often portraying comedic or villainous characters. He has appeared in over 700 films, contributing significantly to Hindi cinema. The name change from Sunil Kapoor to Shakti Kapoor was suggested by Sunil Dutt specifically for his villainous roles. His work spans a wide range of films, with approximately 600 appearances as both a comedian and a villain. Mimicry artists often reference his distinctive style and memorable dialogues. A highlight of his career is the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian he received in 1995 for his role as Nandu in Raja Babu . He has also participated in the reality show Bigg Boss in 2011. Shakti Kapoor’s family includes his wife, Shivangi Kapoor, sister of actresses Padmini and Tejaswini Kolhapure; they have two children, Siddhanth Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. Siddhanth Kapoor has transitioned from being a DJ to an assistant director and film actor, while Shraddha Kapoor is a well-known film actress. In 2024, an attempted kidnapping plot targeting him was thwarted. He continues to be an active figure in Hindi films.

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India

Vivek

Vivekanandan, known professionally as Vivek, was an Indian entertainer born on November 19, 1961, in Perunkottur Village near Sankarankovil, Tamil Nadu. He worked extensively within the Tamil film industry and held multiple roles including actor, comedian, television personality, playback singer, social activist, and social worker. His journey into films began when director K. Balachander introduced him with a role in Manathil Urudhi Vendum in 1987. Before that, Vivek graduated from The American College in Madurai and worked at the Secretariat in Chennai, where he honed his comedic skills by participating in stand-up comedy performances at the Madras Humour Club. He also collaborated with K. Balachandar as a scriptwriter prior to his acting debut. Vivek’s comedy style was characterized by one-liners and wordplay, often incorporating social and political satire. Critics frequently compared him to N. S. Krishnan and affectionately nicknamed him Chinna Kalaivanar, highlighting the influence of earlier comedic masters. His work earned him significant recognition, including three Filmfare Awards for Best Comedian – Tamil in 2002, 2003, and 2004, as well as five Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Comedian from 1999 to 2007. Beyond acting, Vivek hosted television events and interviewed prominent figures such as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, demonstrating his versatility as a media personality. Vivek’s contributions extended beyond entertainment; he was deeply involved in social activism. In 2010, he launched the Green Kalam initiative with the ambitious goal of planting one billion trees in Tamil Nadu. This commitment to environmental causes was acknowledged by the Government of India, which awarded him the Padma Shri in 2009 for his contributions to art. Satyaabama University further recognized his societal impact by conferring an honorary doctorate upon him. Vivek died on April 17, 2021, in Chennai due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and social responsibility.

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