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Having “first discovered by a Gujarati magazine 20 years ago”, Jamie Lever says she owes “so much to this community”. For the actress-comedienne – who is set to perform in the city tomorrow – shares, “The Gujarati audience has supported me more than anyone, and since the start of my career, they have constantly invited me to perform. I owe so much to this community. I love how people here appreciate the art and know how to have fun, which is why Gujarati theatre is still so popular, even in Mumbai.” She adds, “I had a lot of Gujarati friends in school, so I picked up the language at a young age and speak it fluently. Now, many people naturally start chatting to me in Gujarati, and I am absolutely thrilled to finally bring my show to a community that has encouraged me from the beginning.”



‘My focus is on offering family-oriented content ’
With international artistes like Russell Peters and Trevor Noah bringing their hit tours to India, is it challenging for comics like her to keep their content relevant? “There is so much content available today that audiences are spoilt for choice, making it tougher for artistes to stand out and offer something unique. Having said that, people know what I do and appreciate my impersonations, which is where I have found my niche. My performances feature a lot of physical comedy , much like my father when he performed on stage, and the audience enjoys seeing a glimpse of him in my work.”

She adds, “I focus on keeping my content clean and family-orientated, because I want my family to be able to watch me without feeling awkward. There are fewer young comedians performing clean comedy today, so I am proud to have maintained my father’s style that way. I have created a show where 16-year-olds can come with their parents and grandparents, and everyone’s having a good time.”


‘I take each show as my start from zero’
Talking about comparisons with her father, Johny Lever, Jamie shares, “My father has worked in the industry for over 40 years and has spent 50 years on stage. He’s performed many a time in Gujarat, where the audience knows his content inside out, and often requests specific sets – which translates to added pressure and higher expectations. After 12 years of performing and perfecting my craft, I finally feel confident in what I have to offer, but I never take it lightly. Every show feels like starting from zero. I always feel that pressure, but I think it keeps me grounded.”

‘A part of me is gone with Ashaji’s passing’
Having mimicked Asha ji for 12 years, I feel a deep connection with her, and when I heard the news of her passing, I could not hold back my tears. I felt as though a part of me was gone, and I am saddened that the chance to meet her has been taken away. However, many people have written to me, asking me to keep her voice and spirit alive through my performances, and I would love to continue singing in her voice for them. I will do my best to honour her memory through my art.

On mimicry, Jamie shares, " Impersonation involves an in-depth observation of artiste’s mannerisms, expressions, and vocal modulation. I wonder how much effort someone like Sunil Grover must put in, as he becomes a perfect replica of a person. We observe artistes with detail and precision, and while it is hard work, I love that audiences truly appreciate it."

Talking about her acting career, Jamie said, "I played a serious character recently and found it challenging. While comedy is my first love, I have also viewed myself as an actor. So, I don't want to restrict myself and want to get out of my comfort zone."