Punjabi cinema’s beloved comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on Friday morning after suffering a brain stroke, leaving the film fraternity and fans across the globe in deep shock. He was 65.
Punjabi cinema’s beloved comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on Friday morning after suffering a brain stroke, leaving the film fraternity and fans across the globe in deep shock. He was 65.
Regarded as one of the most iconic figures in Punjabi entertainment, Bhalla was admired for his sharp satire, relatable characters, and unmatched comic timing that made him a household name.
Born on May 4, 1960, in Ludhiana, Bhalla pursued academics before stepping into the world of entertainment. A doctorate holder in Extension Education, he served as professor and later head of the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) until his retirement in 2020. Despite his scholarly background, his natural humour and keen observation of society propelled him into the limelight.
Bhalla first shot to fame with Chhankata, a satirical audio-video series launched in 1988 that went on to become a cultural landmark in Punjab. His character, Chacha Chatar Singh, known for rustic wit and biting social commentary, remains etched in the collective memory of audiences. Over three decades, Bhalla produced 27 instalments of Chhankata, each resonating with Punjabi communities worldwide.
His success on stage seamlessly transitioned to cinema, where he delivered some of the most memorable performances in Punjabi films. From Mahaul Theek Hai to mega-hits such as Carry On Jatta, Jatt & Juliet, Mel Karade Rabba, and Power Cut, Bhalla left audiences in splits with his effortless delivery and signature one-liners. His roles as Advocate Dhillon in Carry On Jatta and Inspector Tiwana in Jatt & Juliet are widely hailed among Punjabi cinema’s finest comic portrayals.
Over his career spanning decades, Bhalla received multiple honours including the Gopal Sehgal Award (2012) for his contribution to satirical comedy, the Mohammad Rafi Award for Best Comedian, and Best Punjabi Comedian at the Asian Festival. His performances in Carry On Jatta and Jatt & Juliet also earned him PTC Punjabi Film Awards. He was recognised and celebrated not only in India but also at cultural events across Canada, the UK, and the US.
Even beyond the silver screen, Bhalla remained engaged with academia and social causes. As brand ambassador of PAU, he promoted initiatives like Mission Swachh and Swasth Punjab, blending his humour with a message of awareness and community welfare.
Paying tribute, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wrote on X in Punjabi: “ਜਸਵਿੰਦਰ ਭੱਲਾ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਅਚਾਨਕ ਇਸ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਚਲੇ ਜਾਣਾ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸਜਨਕ ਹੈ..ਛਣਕਾਟਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਛਣਕਾਰ ਬੰਦ ਹੋਣ ਤੇ ਮਨ ਉਦਾਸ ਹੈ..ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਚਰਨਾਂ ਚ ਨਿਵਾਸ ਬਖਸ਼ਣ…ਚਾਚਾ ਚਤਰਾ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਸਾਡੇ ਦਿਲਾਂ ਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਰਹਿਣਗੇ..”
Remembering him, actor Upasna Singh said, “His passing marks the end of an era. His laughter will continue to echo through his films, reminding generations of the joy and insight he brought to Punjabi culture.”
Bhalla’s demise leaves an irreplaceable void in Punjabi entertainment, but his legacy of satire, laughter, and heartfelt humour will continue to inspire generations to come.
