“It’s very hard to believe. I’m in shock."
Indian actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla has passed away after suffering a stroke. He was 65.
The veteran performer died in the early hours of August 22, 2025, at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, Punjab, where he had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.
Bhalla, from the small town of Doraha in Ludhiana district, was one of the most recognisable faces in Punjabi-language entertainment. His career spanned over 30 years across stage, screen, and academia.
Jaswinder Bhalla first rose to prominence in the late 1980s through Chhankata, a series of satirical audio and video recordings that offered sharp, humorous takes on life in rural Punjab, focusing on social inequality and politics.
Characters such as Chacha Chatar Singh and Bhana became widely recognised across Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora, particularly during the home video boom of the 1990s.
He later transitioned to cinema, becoming a staple of regional Punjabi films.
Bhalla was known for his comic roles in hits including Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), Jatt & Juliet (2012), Mr & Mrs 420 (2014), Sardaar Ji (2015), and Jind Jaan (2019).
Fans praised his performance as advocate Dhillon in the comedy trilogy Carry On Jatta for its blend of deadpan delivery, improvisation, and social satire.
His final onscreen appearance was in 2024’s Shinda Shinda No Papa, alongside Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan.
Jaswinder Bhalla also had a distinguished academic career.
He held a PhD in extension education, a discipline applying scientific research to agricultural and rural development, and served as professor and head of the department of extension education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana until retiring in 2020.
His death has prompted widespread tributes from politicians and entertainers.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called his passing “extremely sorrowful” in a post on X:
“The sudden departure of Jaswinder Bhalla Ji from this world is extremely sorrowful.”
“The heart is saddened by the silence of the jingle of Chhankata. May Waheguru grant him a place at His feet. Chacha Chatra will always reside in our hearts.”
With profound grief & a heavy heart, I share the most heartbreaking news that my dearest friend, the legend of Punjabi Film Industry & world-renowned comedian Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla Ji has left us for his heavenly abode early this morning??
Dr. Bhalla Ji was not only the king of… pic.twitter.com/jCY4ljgqkQ
— Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal (Bhukhri Kalan, Ldh) (@sukhgrewalbjp) August 22, 2025
Describing him as a “father and mentor” to the film industry, Gippy Grewal wrote:
“It’s very hard to believe. I’m in shock. He was like a father, mentor, and the talented actor to us in the whole industry, creating memories and enjoying moments like family.
“Our bond was very strong. This is the worst news. May he rest in peace. All my strength to the family.
“His legacy will live on through his work, and his impact on our lives will never be forgotten. I’ll cherish the memories we shared and the lessons he taught me. You will always be in my heart Jaswinder Bhalla Bhaji.”
Jaswinder Bhalla is survived by his wife Parmdeep, a fine arts teacher based in Chandigarh, and their two children: Pukhraj, an actor in Punjabi cinema, and Jasmine, who lives in Norway.
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