Jaswinder Bhalla, the beloved Punjabi actor and comedian whose wit defined generations of regional cinema, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 65. He died at Fortis Hospital in Mohali following complications from a major brain stroke, confirmed by close family and longtime collaborator Balmukund Sharma.

Bhalla’s funeral is scheduled for noon on August 23 at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali, where fans, colleagues, and cultural figures are expected to pay tribute to a man who transformed Punjabi satire into a cinematic institution.

A Career Rooted in Laughter and Legacy

Born on May 4, 1960, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Bhalla’s journey began not in film, but in academia. He earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension Education and served as a professor at Punjab Agricultural University until his retirement in 2020. Yet it was his parallel life in performance—starting with All India Radio in 1975 and exploding with the satirical Chhankata series in 1988—that cemented his place in Punjabi cultural history.

From the sly Chacha Chatra to the urbane JB, Bhalla’s characters in Chhankata offered biting commentary on rural politics, social tensions, and everyday absurdities. The series grew to over 27 audio and video albums, becoming a staple in Punjabi households worldwide.

🎥 From Stage to Screen

Bhalla made his film debut in Dulla Bhatti (1998) and went on to star in hits like Chak De Phatte, Mel Karade Rabba, Jatt & Juliet, and Jatt Airways. His most iconic role came as Advocate Dhillon in the Carry On Jatta franchise, where his catchphrase—“Advocate Dhillon ne kala coat aiwi ni paya”—became a cultural touchstone.

His final major appearance was in Shinda Shinda No Papa (2024), alongside Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan, a film that showcased his enduring comedic brilliance.

🌍 A Global Connection

Bhalla’s reach extended far beyond India. His live theatre tours, including Naughty Baba in Town, brought Punjabi humor to diaspora audiences in Canada, Australia, and the UK. His ability to blend satire with sincerity made him a bridge between generations and geographies.

🕊️ Tributes Pour In

Social media has been flooded with tributes under hashtags like #JaswinderBhalla and #PunjabiCinema. Actor Gippy Grewal called him “a father, mentor, and the most talented actor,” while fans described him as “the soul of Punjabi comedy”.

Bhalla is survived by his wife Parmdeep Bhalla, a fine arts teacher; his son Pukhraj Bhalla, an actor and singer; and his daughter Ashpreet Kaur, who resides in Norway.