Bollywood comedian Johny Lever Wednesday said the quality of comedy in Indian cinema is steadily declining with new-generation comedians shying away from hard work.

Lever, who started his career in 1981 and has appeared in over 300 films, told reporters here that the current crop of comedians in Hindi films failed to maintain the high standards of the Mehmood era.

"A comedian's job is always tough. But I honestly believe the quality of comedy has gone down during recent years and all because of youngsters who lack (comic) potential and shy away from hard work," Lever said.

He said lack of competition might have caused this decline in standards.

On actors in politics, Lever said: "Politics and acting are totally different spheres. Some actors who joined politics had a bitter experience."

He said, "I have no plans of joining politics."