- An irreplaceable voice of Punjabi humor has fallen silent
Dubai – Veteran Punjabi actor, comedian, and academic Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla has died at the age of 65 after suffering a stroke. He passed away in the early hours of Friday at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, Punjab, where he had been undergoing treatment following a brief illness, according to The Times of India.
Bhalla, a native of Doraha in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, was one of the most iconic figures in Punjabi-language entertainment. His prolific career spanned more than three decades across theatre, cinema, and academia, earning him immense love from audiences in India and across the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.
His cremation is scheduled for Saturday (August 23) at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali. Family, fellow artists, and fans are expected to gather to pay their final respects to the celebrated entertainer.
Bhalla rose to prominence in the late 1980s with the Chhankata series — a collection of satirical audio and video recordings that offered a humorous but poignant commentary on rural Punjabi life, social inequality, and politics. Characters like Chacha Chatar Singh and Bhana became household names, as Chhankata found massive popularity during the home video boom of the 1990s.
Following his success on stage and tape, Bhalla made a seamless transition to Punjabi cinema. He became a staple in comedic roles, starring in fan-favorite films such as Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), Jatt & Juliet (2012), Mr & Mrs 420 (2014), Sardaar Ji (2015), and Jind Jaan (2019). One of his most celebrated performances came in the Carry On Jatta trilogy, where his portrayal of Advocate Dhillon blended deadpan wit, improvisational flair, and sharp social satire.
His final on-screen appearance was in Shinda Shinda No Papa (2024), alongside Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan.
Beyond the entertainment world, Bhalla was also an esteemed academic. He held a PhD in extension education — a discipline that bridges scientific research with agricultural and rural development — and served as professor and head of the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana until his retirement in 2020.
News of Bhalla’s death has led to an outpouring of grief and tributes from political leaders, colleagues, and fans.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shared his condolences in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“The sudden departure of Jaswinder Bhalla Ji from this world is extremely sorrowful. The heart is saddened by the silence of the jingle of Chhankata. May Waheguru grant him a place at His feet. Chacha Chatra will always reside in our hearts.”
BJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal also paid tribute, calling Bhalla “the king of Punjabi comedy” and “a voice of truth and simplicity” who touched lives across the globe.
“His unmatched humour, warmth and wisdom made him a true global icon of Punjabi culture,” he wrote.
Gippy Grewal, Bhalla’s co-star in Shinda Shinda No Papa, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“He was like a father, mentor, and the most talented actor to us all. This is the worst news. Our bond was strong, like family. His legacy will live on through his work, and his impact on our lives will never be forgotten.
BY: The Times Union
