"It's a simple life that we live. I focus on my work while some people unnecessarily complicate life. By the grace of God we didn't do that - we walked in the present remembering our past, so your focus in always on work.
"Comedy is a very difficult thing to do. To do comedy, there are so many hurdles one has to cross. We are here even today because we worked hard and didn't lose focus," Lever says in an interview with PTI.
In Bollywood there was a trend of adult humour but the 60-year-old actor always stayed away from it.
"Talent is given by God but you should respect it by doing good work. In the shows I do, there are no double meaning or vulgar dialogues. You require hard work in writing good, clean material.
Also Read
"Why would you spread 'gandagi' (filth)? I can't do that at all, that's not my job. People have come to me for double meaning roles but I have flatly refused."
"Earlier in films, I used to take on any offers. I used to help friends who asked me to do a few scenes because then the distributors would love it, the film will do well. I never said no, helped everyone. I used to tell myself, 'a day would come when I'll work according to my will'. I have started doing that, in the last 15 years specially."
Lever who still remains a go-to comedian to feature in films has recognisably cut down on work, especially TV shows, with his last being "Johnny Aala Re" in 2007.
"When (popular comedian) Kapil Sharma's (TV) show was working, I got so many offers to do a similar show! Everyone wanted me to do a show like that. I told them, what's the point of doing a similar show?
"There will be competition, comparisons, why repeat the same formulae? If I like it I will do it. So offers are there, but I am choosy," he says.
He returns to the small screen in the comedy show "Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double" on SAB TV. On the show, he will be seen in a double role playing a police commissioner and his twin who happens to be a 'khabri' (informer).
While he awaits the response of his new TV show, the actor marvels at how even the younger generation today recognises his work, which is a big award for him.
"I feel very happy that young kids, aged four-five, recognise me. What is a bigger award than this? This is all God's grace that the younger generation knows me, recognise my work. I am very happy.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content