On August 22, 2025, the world of Punjabi actor comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passes away The star, known for his infectious laughter and razor-sharp wit, died at Fortis Hospital in Mohali after suffering a brain stroke and severe blood loss. His loss has left fans, friends, and the entire Punjabi film industry heartbroken, as they mourn a man whose humor lit up screens and stages worldwide. From his iconic Chhankata series to blockbuster films like Carry On Jatta, Bhalla’s legacy as Punjab’s comedy king will live on. Here’s a look at the extraordinary life, career, and impact of Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla—a man who made millions laugh while touching their hearts.
A Humble Beginning in Ludhiana
Born on May 4, 1960, in Doraha, Ludhiana, Jaswinder Bhalla grew up in a simple, close-knit family. His father, Master Bahadur Singh Bhalla, was a primary school teacher in Barmalipur village, teaching young Jaswinder the value of education and community. Studying at Senior Secondary School in Doraha, Bhalla showed early signs of brilliance. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture and a Master’s in Extension Education from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana. Later, he completed his PhD from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, proving his passion for learning.
Beyond the spotlight, Bhalla was a respected academic. He joined PAU in 1989 after a brief stint with the Punjab Agriculture Department, eventually becoming Professor and Head of the Department of Extension Education. Retiring in 2020, he left a mark as a beloved mentor who mixed humor with wisdom, making tough subjects fun for students. Even after retirement, Bhalla stayed connected to PAU as its brand ambassador, championing causes like Mission Swachh and Swasth Punjab, showing his heart was always with his people.X
The Birth of a Comedy Star
Jaswinder Bhalla’s journey to fame began in 1988 with Chhankata 88, a satirical audio-video series he created with his friend Bal Mukund Sharma. Named after the playful jingle of a bell, Chhankata became a sensation in Punjab, with its clever take on everyday life, from family quirks to bureaucratic blunders. Bhalla’s relatable humor struck a chord, turning the series into a cultural hit that echoed in homes and autorickshaws across the state. This success paved the way for his leap into films, where he became a household name.
Bhalla debuted on the big screen with Dulla Bhatti and never looked back. His flawless comic timing and catchy one-liners made him a star in Punjabi cinema. He stole hearts in blockbusters like Jatt & Juliet, Sardaar Ji, Jatt Airways, and the wildly popular Carry On Jatta series. His role as Advocate Dhillon in Carry On Jatta, with the iconic line “Advocate Dhillon ne kala coat aiwi ni paya,” became a fan favorite, etched in Punjabi pop culture. Bhalla also shone in Hindi cinema with Jaspal Bhatti’s Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), proving his talent crossed borders.
A Genius of Humor and Heart
What made Bhalla special was his knack for blending satire with simplicity. His characters weren’t just funny—they were real, reflecting the joys, struggles, and spirit of Punjab. Whether playing a cheeky lawyer or a lovable family man, he brought authenticity to every role. His dialogues often carried a deeper message, tackling issues like corruption or societal change with a smile. This mix of laughter and insight set him apart as a true entertainer.
Bhalla’s stage shows, like Naughty Baba in Town, wowed audiences in Canada, Australia, and the UK, showcasing his global charm. His Chhankata cassettes, a nostalgic gem for 80s and 90s Punjabis, were played everywhere, embedding his voice in the region’s culture. His energy and wit made every performance unforgettable. READ MORE https://elevenpakistan.com/content-creator-talha-ahmed-instagram-account/
Honors and Achievements
Bhalla’s talent earned him a slew of awards. In 2012, he bagged the Gopal Sehgal Award for his satirical comedy, followed by the Mohammad Rafi Award for Best Comedian and the Best Punjabi Comedian Award at the Asian Festival. His work in Carry On Jatta and Jatt & Juliet also won him PTC Punjabi Film Awards. But for Bhalla, the real reward was the love of his fans, who saw him as the heartbeat of Punjabi humor.
A Family Man and People’s Star
Off-screen, Bhalla was a devoted husband to Parmdeep Bhalla, a fine arts teacher in Chandigarh, and a proud father to his son, Pukhraj Bhalla, and daughter, Ashpreet Kaur, who lives in Norway. Pukhraj, an engineer-turned-actor, followed his father into films, debuting in music videos before starring alongside him in Stupid 7 (2013). Their on-screen bond mirrored their real-life closeness. Bhalla’s humility shone through in moments like a 2019 encounter at the Golden Temple, where a fan thanked him for being a “common man,” a gesture that touched his heart.
A Heartbreaking Farewell
Bhalla’s health took a turn in the months before his passing. On August 20, 2025, he suffered a brain stroke and was rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali. Despite the best efforts of doctors, he passed away at 4:00 AM on August 22, 2025. His funeral on August 23 at Balongi cremation ground in Mohali drew thousands, including fans, stars, and leaders like Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who called him a “proud Punjabi voice.”
Tributes flooded in from all corners. Gippy Grewal, his co-star, called him a “father and mentor,” while Gurpreet Ghuggi mourned his “big brother.” Fans on X, like @HarpPandher and @Sage1709, and even cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, hailed his legacy, with #RIPJaswinderBhalla trending widely. Bhalla’s final film, Shinda Shinda No Papa (2024), alongside Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan, was a joyful farewell to his incredible career.
A Legacy That Lives On
Jaswinder Bhalla’s passing leaves a void in Punjabi cinema, but his laughter will echo forever. From Chhankata to Carry On Jatta, he was more than a comedian—he was a storyteller who captured Punjab’s spirit. As co-star Upasna Singh said, “His laughter will live on in his films, reminding us of the joy he brought.” With his humility, talent, and love for his roots, Bhalla leaves behind a legacy that will inspire and entertain for generations. Rest in peace, Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla—your chhankata will ring on forever.
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