Popular Punjabi comedy king Jaswinder Bhalla dies at 65

Dubai: Veteran Punjabi actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla, one of the most beloved figures in Punjabi cinema, has passed away at the age of 65. According to reports, the actor breathed his last in the early hours of Friday at Fortis Hospital in Mohali.

His final rites are scheduled for Saturday at Balongi, where colleagues and friends from the Punjabi film industry are expected to gather to pay their respects.

Bhalla’s career spanned nearly three decades, during which he became a household name through his impeccable comic timing and memorable characters. He began his journey with films like Dulha Bhatti and went on to feature in Jaspal Bhatti’s cult Hindi-language satire Mahaul Theek Hai (1999).

Over the years, he carved out a special place in Punjabi cinema with standout performances in blockbusters such as Jatt and Juliet, Sardaar Ji, and the Carry On Jatta franchise.

His role as Advocate Dhillon in the Carry On Jatta films, in particular, cemented his status as a comedy icon. Known for infusing his characters with unique catchphrases and quirks, Bhalla had the rare ability to make even the briefest appearances unforgettable for audiences.

His most recent appearance was in the 2024 release Shinda Shinda No Papa, starring Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan, underscoring his enduring presence in the industry until the very end.

Away from the screen, Bhalla cherished his family life. He is survived by his wife, Parmdeep, a fine arts teacher in Chandigarh, and their son, Pukhraj Bhalla, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor. Initially trained as an engineer, Pukhraj transitioned into entertainment, beginning with music videos in the 2000s before acting in films. In 2013, father and son shared the screen together in the film Stupid 7, a moment fans continue to treasure.

Jaswinder Bhalla’s passing marks the end of an era in Punjabi cinema, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and characters that continue to live on in popular memory.