‘Imagine a 50-year-old person is in front of you, and you're trying to woo him'
Asked to Strip on Video Call : Jamie Lever Opens Up About Casting Scam and Industry Struggles
Indian Comedian Jamie Lever US Comedy Tour Latest News: Actor-comedian Jamie Lever, daughter of legendary actor Johnny Lever, recently revealed that she was almost scammed by individuals posing as casting directors for an international project. In an interview with Zoom, Jamie spoke candidly about the incident, and her struggles in the entertainment industry.
Speaking about the scam, Jamie shared that she had been approached online for a supposed international film project. “They said there would be a video call. The script wasn’t provided because they wanted it to be improvised,” she recalled. Jamie clicked on the interview link she received and joined the call.
She said the person claiming to be the director told her he was traveling and couldn’t turn on his video. “He said, ‘This is an international film, and you fit the physical criteria perfectly, but we need to test a few things.’”
Jamie was informed that the role would be a bold one, with no comedy involved—something that excited her, as it was different from her usual work. However, things quickly took a troubling turn. “When I asked what he wanted me to do, he said, ‘Imagine a 50-year-old person is in front of you, and you’re trying to woo him. Ultimately, there’s an intimate scene between the two.’ I expressed my discomfort and requested to stick to the script,” she said.
The individual continued to insist there was no script and encouraged her to improvise. “He said, ‘If you need to strip, say something, or do anything, feel free.’ I wasn’t comfortable with that and told him clearly. I said, ‘If you expect me to strip during this video call, I am not okay with that. I wasn’t made aware of this.’ I turned off my video immediately. That’s when I realized it could be a scam.”
Jamie also reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry, saying, “I have struggled for 10 years, and today people know me for my work. The journey has earned me respect.”
Despite being the daughter of a celebrated actor, Jamie said she considers herself an “actor kid,” not a “nepo kid,” citing the rejections and discrimination she has faced. On nepotism in the industry, she said, “If someone is getting an opportunity on a silver platter, then put your heart and soul into it. Take all the training possible to become the best version of yourself.”
Jamie Lever described her father, Johnny Lever, as a strict and traditional parent. She shared that at home, he was just a regular dad, and she wasn’t fully aware of his stardom while growing up. According to Jamie, sleepovers were not allowed, and he maintained a disciplined household. He once told her, “If you want to be in this industry, you have to be the best. There’s no place for half-hearted effort.” Jamie said she made a firm resolve to follow that advice.
Jamie said she took classes in Hindi, Urdu, singing, and dance to develop the skills her father believed she had the potential for. “My dad being in the industry was a blessing, but it didn’t guarantee success,” she added.
Jamie Lever has appeared in several Bollywood films, including Housefull 4, and is now preparing to showcase her comedy talent on an international stage.
She is set to launch her comedy tour, The Jamie Lever Show, across the United States. The tour kicks off in Seattle on August 1 and will cover 15 cities, concluding in Boston on August 31.
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