Comedy legend Jaswinder Bhalla passes away at 65

Punjabi cinema has lost one of its most iconic voices of laughter. Jaswinder Bhalla, the veteran actor whose sharp wit and memorable characters brought joy to millions, passed away in the early hours of August 22 in Mohali. He was 65. Family sources confirmed he had been unwell for some time and was undergoing treatment in a local hospital. His funeral will be held on Saturday near Mohali.

Best known for his role as Advocate Dhillon in the blockbuster Carry On Jatta franchise, Bhalla’s career spanned over three decades, shaping the very grammar of Punjabi comedy. From stage to home video cassettes and finally the big screen, his unmistakable timing and ability to blend humour with social commentary made him a household name.

A towering figure in Punjabi entertainment

Bhalla’s journey to stardom began with Chhankata, the satirical home video series that became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. His character “Chacha Chatra” remains etched in the memory of Punjabi audiences, defining an era when regional comedy was finding its voice. He later went on to deliver power-packed performances in films like Jatt and Juliet, Shinda Shinda No Papa, and Jaspal Bhatti’s cult classics Mahaul Theek Hai and Jija Ji.

Even as he rose to fame, Bhalla stayed rooted in academia. Born in 1960, he served as a professor at Punjab Agricultural University’s Department of Extension Education until his retirement in 2020 — balancing a dual career in education and entertainment with rare grace.

The man who turned humour into social commentary

Beyond his comic flair, Bhalla was admired for weaving social critique into his humour, often spotlighting everyday struggles of ordinary Punjabis with a satirical edge. In interviews, he acknowledged that much of his work was improvised, with dialogues often written on the spot — a testament to his natural brilliance as a performer.

Despite immense popularity across Punjab and the diaspora, Bhalla never made the transition to Hindi cinema, choosing instead to remain the face of Punjabi comedy.

He is survived by his wife and son, who has followed in his footsteps as an actor. The Punjabi film industry, colleagues, and fans have flooded social media with tributes, remembering him as a man who gave a voice to laughter — and dignity to comedy.