Jaswinder Bhalla: The Comic Genius Who Defined Punjabi Entertainment

The Punjabi film industry and its audience are in mourning following the death of Jaswinder Bhalla, a prominent comedian, at the age of 65 on August 22. He was hospitalized at Fortis Hospital, where he passed away. The cremation will take place on August 23 in Balongi. Bhalla was celebrated for his comedic timing and the iconic characters he brought to life. He first gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s through stage performances and comedy albums. Bhalla’s film career included memorable roles in movies like *Dulha Bhatti* and Jaspal Bhatti’s Hindi comedy, *Mahaul Theek Hai* (1999). He went on to star in blockbuster Punjabi films such as *Jatt & Juliet*, *Sardarji*, and *Carry On Jatta*. His character ‘Advocate Dhillon’ in the *Carry On Jatta* series became a fan favorite across all age groups. He had a unique ability to create memorable characters through distinctive dialogues. Bhalla was married to Paramdeep, a fine arts teacher, and his son, Pukhraj Bhalla, followed in his footsteps and became an actor. They both appeared in the 2013 film “Stupid 7”. He excelled in supporting comic roles, consistently enhancing every story with humor. His influence as a comedian and actor will continue to resonate within Punjabi cinema.