From Selling a Trophy for Rs 400 to Owning a Luxurious 4-BHK Home: Sudesh Lehri's Inspiring Journey
Stand-up comedian and actor Sudesh Lehri, born in Jalandhar and raised in Amritsar, now resides in a lavish four-bedroom apartment in Mumbai, the city of dreams. However, his path to success was fraught with immense challenges and hardships. After appearing in numerous comedy shows and winning multiple awards, Lehri has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He frequently shares glimpses of his life, offering a testament to resilience. Let's delve into the struggles he overcame to achieve his current success.
Early Struggles and Odd Jobs
Lehri began working with his father, learning gold-making, but the family's financial situation was dire. His father earned only about Rs 100-200, often spent on drinking habits. In an old podcast interview with Maniesh Paul, Lehri recounted his childhood struggles, taking on various odd jobs due to poverty. He revealed, "There was no opportunity to study. Since childhood, I’ve done small jobs. I’ve worked in factories and at tea stalls. I used to make tea, but we couldn’t afford tea at home. So, when I’d carry 5-6 cups in one hand and a kettle in the other, walking barefoot to the factory to deliver the tea, I’d sneak into a corner, have a cup myself, wash the glass, and then continue. That was our situation."
No Formal Education and Acting as a Survival Skill
The Comedy Circus actor worked in a slipper factory and sold kulfi and vegetables to earn a living. Reflecting on those days, he said, "That was a practical workshop for me as an actor. While selling kulfi, vegetables… we had to act. I’ve never been to school, and I do miss it." In another podcast with Punjabi YouTube channel Aman Aujla, Lehri disclosed, "I’m uneducated. I’m illiterate. I never went to school, not even nursery or kindergarten. I’ve never been inside a school. We didn’t have the money. I used to work for pennies at shops. I worked as a mechanic. I couldn’t read signboards even. But I knew I wanted to become an actor. I couldn’t read, but I could memorise lines."
Language Barriers and Financial Mishaps
Lehri faced significant obstacles due to language barriers and lack of education. Early in his career, his limited English led to a financial crisis. Once, he accidentally asked for Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 50,000 for a show, not knowing the difference between 'fifty' and 'fifteen'. He realized the mistake after receiving payment but laughed it off, never revealing the confusion stemmed from his language limitations.
Selling an Award to Feed His Family
At one point, Lehri was informed he would be honored at an awards ceremony. He inquired about the trophy's value and later exchanged it for around Rs 300–400, using the money to buy food for his family. This act highlights the depths of his struggles before fame.
Breakthrough and Success
Lehri's hard work paid off when he participated in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Season 3, finishing third while Chandan Prabhakar came second and Kapil Sharma won. This breakthrough led to appearances in shows like Dekh India Dekh, Comedy Circus, Comedy Classes, Comedy Nights Bachao, and The Kapil Sharma Show. Over the years, he has won several trophies, now proudly displayed on a wall of fame in his luxurious home.
Achieving the Dream Home
Despite numerous struggles, Lehri never gave up on his dream of providing a comfortable life for his family. In a YouTube vlog, he gave a tour of his four-bedroom apartment, with close friend Krushna Abhishek comparing it to a seven-star hotel. The comedian is currently seen in Laughter Chefs, paired with actress Nia Sharma, showcasing his continued success in the entertainment industry.
