Comedian Sudesh Lehri recently shared his remarkable journey, detailing how he went from being illiterate and struggling with extreme poverty to owning multiple houses and enjoying a life of comfort.
A Childhood Forged in Hardship
Sudesh Lehri grew up in Amritsar, facing such dire poverty that he never had the opportunity to attend school. This meant he couldn’t read or write and struggled with English, a reality that deeply impacted his early life.
He began working at a very young age, taking on odd jobs for meager pay, including working as a mechanic. He recalls a time when his family only had Rs 100 to celebrate Diwali, highlighting the extent of their financial struggles.
His personal life also began early; he married at 17, and his wife was just 15. The couple faced immense challenges, even struggling to afford basic necessities like hospital fees when they had children.
The Cost of Illiteracy and a Turning Point
Lehri openly admits his illiteracy, recounting how it led to a significant setback during the first season of *The Great Indian Laughter Challenge*. He confessed he couldn’t differentiate between “fifty” and “fifteen,” leading him to quote Rs 15,000 when he actually intended to ask for Rs 50,000.
This incident was a turning point. Realizing the need for professional help, he decided to hire a manager to oversee his business and financial matters. Despite his inability to read, he possessed a natural talent for memorizing lines, which was crucial for his acting aspirations.
Embracing Prosperity and Its Purpose
Now, a successful comedian, Sudesh Lehri has a unique philosophy about money. He believes in spending what he earns, arguing that money lying idle in an account serves no purpose. This belief stems from his childhood experiences of scarcity.
He fondly remembers that Rs 100 Diwali, where he used his imagination to create a joyful celebration, pretending neighbors were servants lighting firecrackers on their command. This creative spirit extended to imagining luxurious dinners at five-star hotels.
From owning a second-hand Indigo as his first car, Lehri’s success has grown tremendously. At one point, he even owned five houses in Mumbai, a testament to his incredible journey from poverty.
Family Influence and Designer Tastes
Lehri’s approach to wealth also involves his family. He shares that his son encourages him to buy designer clothes, a concept Sudesh himself doesn’t fully grasp. However, he indulges his son’s preferences, often finding that his son is the one who ends up wearing his high-end items, like Gucci shoes.
- Sudesh Lehri rose from illiteracy and severe poverty to achieve significant wealth and fame.
- A financial misstep due to illiteracy prompted him to hire a manager, a key decision in his career.
- He advocates for spending money and using imagination to find joy, drawing from his challenging past.
- Despite not understanding designer trends, he buys them at his son’s suggestion, often sharing the items.
Sudesh Lehri’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience and determination, one can overcome immense obstacles and achieve extraordinary success.
