Punjabi actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla is no more. He passed away in Mohali on Friday morning after suffering a brain haemorrhage. He was 65.

Bhalla was admitted to a private hospital two days earlier. He was on ventilator support. Doctors tried their best but could not save him. He breathed his last at 4:35 am.

The hospital later issued a statement. It said Bhalla was in critical condition on arrival. He was treated by the neurosurgery team. He was kept on life support but his condition did not improve.

From a professor to a comedian

Jaswinder Bhalla was born in 1960. He studied agriculture and earned a PhD in Extension Education. He worked as a professor at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. He later became the head of the department. He retired in 2020.

Alongside his academic career, he started performing comedy. In 1988, he launched the satirical series Chhankata. His character “Chacha Chatar Singh” became a household name. His natural humour and witty dialogues connected with audiences instantly.

Popular roles and films

Bhalla was a part of many superhit Punjabi films. His most iconic role was Advocate Dhillon in the Carry On Jatta series. His comic timing made the character unforgettable.

He also played Inspector Joginder Singh in Jatt & Juliet and its sequel. In Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), directed by Jaspal Bhatti, he played a key role in a satire on Punjab Police.

Other memorable films include Mel Karade Rabba, Jihne Mera Dil Luteya, Power Cut, Rangeelay, Mr & Mrs 420, and Sardaar Ji. Even in small roles, his dialogues and expressions stood out. He had the rare gift of making people laugh without being vulgar.

Fans and industry in shock

News of his sudden demise has left fans heartbroken. Social media is filled with tributes.

Actor Gippy Grewal called Bhalla a father figure. He revealed that Bhalla was discussing Carry On Jatta 4 just a few weeks ago. Filmmaker Smeep Kang said the franchise became a cult classic largely because of Bhalla’s role.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Bhalla’s family and expressed deep sorrow. Actor Akshay Kumar also paid tribute, calling Bhalla’s death a “big loss to Punjabi cinema.”

Cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Shikhar Dhawan also remembered him. Harbhajan said Bhalla was not just an actor but also a cultural icon of Punjab.

Last rites on Saturday

The last rites will be held on Saturday. The cremation will take place at Balongi Cremation Ground in Mohali. Thousands of fans and artists are expected to attend.

A lasting legacy

For nearly four decades, Jaswinder Bhalla brought smiles to people’s faces. From Chhankata cassettes in the 1980s to modern Punjabi blockbusters, his journey was remarkable.

He combined intellect with humour. He represented the wit and wisdom of Punjab on stage and screen.

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