Punjabi cinema has lost one of its most beloved figures. Jaswinder Bhalla, best known for playing Advocate Dhillon in the popular Carry On Jatta franchise, passed away in the early hours of Friday in Mohali. He was 65. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday near Mohali.
According to reports, Bhalla had been unwell for some time and was admitted to a hospital before his death. News of his passing has left the Punjabi film industry and his fans across the world in deep grief.
A career rooted in laughter
Bhalla was one of the most recognizable faces in Punjabi comedy. Since the 1990s, he shaped the region’s comic tradition with his timing, improvisation, and sharp wit. His role as Advocate Dhillon in Carry On Jatta made him a household name, while his appearances in films like Jatt and Juliet and Shinda Shinda No Papa further cemented his place in Punjabi cinema.
Long before films, Bhalla gained immense popularity with the Chhankata comedy series, where he played the memorable character Chacha Chatra. These performances, often circulated through home video cassettes, became staples of Punjabi households in the 1990s.
Collaborations with legends
Bhalla’s fame grew further when he worked with the late Jaspal Bhatti in Mahaul Theek Hai and Jija Ji. These projects paired him with some of the finest comic actors in Punjab and showcased his ability to blend satire with humor. Despite his success, Bhalla did not transition into Hindi cinema, choosing instead to remain deeply connected to Punjabi entertainment.
A voice for society through humor
What set Bhalla apart was his knack for presenting social issues in a lighthearted yet meaningful way. Colleagues often recalled how his improvisations brought freshness to scenes, with Bhalla himself admitting in past interviews that he and his co-actors would often write their own lines during shoots.
He was considered one of the leading figures in the revival of Punjabi comedy during the early 2000s, a time when the genre enjoyed immense popularity and creative experimentation.
A life beyond the screen
Born in 1960, Bhalla also built a respected career in academia. He served as a professor in the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) until his retirement in 2020.
Bhalla is survived by his wife and son, who has also followed in his footsteps as an actor. His passing marks the end of an era for Punjabi comedy, but his characters, humor, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of audiences.
