MUMBAI – The Punjabi film world and its audience are mourning the death of Jaswinder Bhalla, whose sharp humour and unmistakable charm made him a star across generations.
Jaswinder Bhalla, who was 65, died early on Friday, 22 August, at Fortis Hospital in Mohali after suffering a major stroke that caused severe bleeding. His funeral is set for midday today at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali, where family, friends, and throngs of fans are expected to say their goodbyes to a figure who transformed Punjabi comedy.
Born on 4 May 1960 in Ludhiana, Punjab, Jaswinder Bhalla’s life took a unique path. He earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension Education from Chaudhary Charan Singh Post Graduate College, Meerut, and later became a professor and head of the Extension Education department at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. He retired in 2020 but continued to inspire through his wit both inside and outside the classroom.
Jaswinder Bhalla’s first steps into entertainment came in 1975 with All India Radio, where he performed alongside two school friends. His real breakthrough followed in 1988, thanks to the Chhankata 88 audio comedy series, developed with lifelong friend Bal Mukand Sharma.
Chhankata, with its sharp look at rural Punjab’s quirks and politics, struck a chord with Punjabis everywhere. Bhalla’s creations, like the canny Chacha Chatra and the modern JB, became favourites.
Over time, Chhankata grew to more than 27 audio and video albums, with well-loved characters and contributions from Neelu Sharma, and earned its place in Punjabi cultural history.
Jaswinder Bhalla, a Cinima Icon
Bhalla translated this stage and audio success to film, debuting in 1998 with Dulla Bhatti. Over the years, he stood out in movies such as Chak De Phatte (2008), Mel Karade Rabba (2010), Jatt & Juliet (2012), and Jatt Airways (2013).
He became most famous for playing Advocate Dhillon in the Carry On Jatta series. The catchphrase, “Advocate Dhillon ne kala coat aiwi ni paya”, is now part of Punjabi popular culture, echoing his knack for delivering killer lines.
His reach wasn’t limited to Punjabi films. Bhalla acted with the late Jaspal Bhatti in Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), showing he could easily blend Punjabi and Hindi humour. His last major film was the 2024 release Shinda Shinda No Papa, starring Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan, where his comedic style delighted viewers one more time.
Audiences around the world enjoyed his live theatre work, especially the Naughty Baba in Town shows he took to Canada and Australia. Through this, he bonded with the Punjabi diaspora, using humour that felt fresh and close to home.
What made Jaswinder Bhalla stand out was his mix of scholarship and showmanship. He began lecturing at PAU in 1989 and won the respect of both his colleagues and students. Fellow teachers remember how he used humour to bring complex lessons to life. “Dr. Bhalla had a rare gift. He could take ideas from agriculture and deliver them as simply as a punchline,” shared one of his longtime friends from the university.
A Life in Education and Entertainment
Jaswinder Bhalla’s comedy always drew from the daily realities of Punjab, speaking about everything from local politics to the tensions between rural and urban life. Whether in Chhankata or on the big screen, his observations held a mirror to Punjabi society, all wrapped in laughter.
Fans, stars, and politicians have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes using tags like #JaswinderBhalla and #PunjabiCinema. One fan wrote, “Rest in peace, #JaswinderBhalla ji. Punjabi cinema won’t be the same.” Others described him as the “bridge between generations.”
Stars from the industry also shared their sadness. Gippy Grewal, who co-starred with Bhalla in several films, posted on Instagram: “It’s hard to believe. He felt like a father, a mentor, and brought us together like family. His legacy is unforgettable.” Actress Neeru Bajwa echoed this, calling him a true comedy legend.
Leaders from across Punjab spoke up, too. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called Bhalla’s death “deeply saddening,” and BJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said his jokes were a kind of medicine and his satire pushed for social change.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa added, “The stage of Punjabi laughter stands empty today… Jaswinder Bhalla was an icon of spirit and wit.”
Long-time colleague Bal Mukand Sharma announced the news, explaining that Bhalla suffered his stroke on the evening of 20 August. Sharma, clearly moved, said, “He was family to me. His laughter will stay with us always.”
Family and Enduring Legacy
Jaswinder Bhalla leaves behind his wife, Parmdeep Bhalla, a talented fine arts teacher in Chandigarh, his son Pukhraj Bhalla, who is following his father’s path in film and music, and his daughter Ashpreet Kaur, who lives in Norway. Pukhraj acted with him in the film Stupid 7 (2013) and is seen by many as the next torchbearer of the Bhalla legacy. Reports note that expectations are high for him to keep his father’s style of honest humour alive.
The Bhalla family was a close-knit unit, supporting Jaswinder through both his academic and stage work. Parmdeep played a big role behind the scenes, and their Ludhiana home was often the site of brainstorming for Bhalla’s sketches. Despite living abroad, Ashpreet remained an important part of Bhalla’s life, often mentioned with pride during his shows.
Jaswinder Bhalla’s death closes a chapter in Punjabi comedy and culture. He could make someone laugh while making them think, using simple, smart jokes and familiar stories. From the streets of Ludhiana to cinema screens around the world, Bhalla’s journey was one of hard work and creativity.
His popular lines, trademark smile, and ability to turn everyday life into comedy live on in the memories of his fans. As Punjab and its diaspora bid him farewell, the words of Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal ring true: “He entertained us, but also challenged us to see the world with fresh eyes and hope.” Bhalla will be remembered through his films, the Chhankata series, and the countless lives brightened by his laughter. Though the stage feels empty, his voice and playful spirit will echo for years.
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