Punjabi Actor and Comedian Jaswinder Bhalla Passes Away at 65
Legendary Punjabi actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla has passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a stroke. The veteran entertainer took his last breath early Friday at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, Punjab, where he had been receiving treatment for a brief illness, according to The Times of India.
Bhalla, born in Doraha in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, was one of the most beloved figures in Punjabi entertainment. With a career spanning more than three decades, he left a lasting mark on stage, film, and academia. His cremation will be held on Saturday, August 23, at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali.
A Career That Defined Punjabi Comedy
Bhalla first rose to fame in the late 1980s with his popular satirical audio and video series Chhankata, which humorously highlighted life in rural Punjab while addressing social and political issues. Characters such as Chacha Chatar Singh and Bhana became household names across Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.
Transitioning to cinema, Bhalla went on to feature in several blockbuster Punjabi films, including Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), Jatt & Juliet (2012), Mr & Mrs 420 (2014), Sardaar Ji (2015), and Jind Jaan (2019). His role as Advocate Dhillon in the hit Carry On Jatta trilogy remains one of his most celebrated performances. His final screen appearance was in the 2024 film Shinda Shinda No Papa, alongside Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan.
Academic Achievements
Beyond entertainment, Bhalla was also an accomplished academic. He earned a PhD in Extension Education and served as Professor and Head of the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, until his retirement in 2020.
Tributes from Across India
News of Bhalla’s passing has led to an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and political leaders. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow, calling Bhalla’s death “extremely painful” and remembering him as a cultural icon whose characters will live forever.
BJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal praised him as “the king of Punjabi comedy” who brought joy to millions, while singer-actor Gippy Grewal remembered him as a father figure and mentor. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also paid tribute, saying, “The stage of Punjabi laughter stands silent and empty today.”
Family and Legacy
Bhalla is survived by his wife, Parmdeep, a fine arts teacher in Chandigarh, his son Pukhraj Bhalla, who is also an actor in Punjabi cinema, and his daughter Jasmine, who resides in Norway.
His unmatched humor, social satire, and academic contributions have made Jaswinder Bhalla an enduring icon of Punjabi culture. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and comedians.
