Popular comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla died on August 22 after reportedly suffering a brain stroke. His last rites will be performed on August 23 at noon at the Balongi cremation ground, Mohali.
He has left behind a lasting legacy and will be remembered as the ‘Patriarch of Punjabi Comedy’. He was more than just a comedian and an actor; he also worked as a professor of agricultural science for several years. Jaswinder worked as a faculty member at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
Jaswinder Bhalla’s early life and education
Jaswinder Bhalla was born on May 4, 1960, in Ludhiana. His father, Master Bahadur Singh Bhalla, was a primary school teacher in village Barmalipur.
Jaswinder completed his basic education from Senior Secondary School, Doraha. He pursued a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. from Punjab Agricultural University. He went on to complete his Ph.D. from Chaudhary Charan Singh Post Graduate College, Meerut. He earned a PhD in agricultural science from Punjab University.
Advocate Dhillon
Before entering the entertainment industry, Jaswinder earned his livelihood as an Assistant Professor at the PAU. He served as a professor and Head of the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. He joined PAU in 1989 after working for five years in the Punjab Agriculture Department. He retired from active service on May 31, 2020.
Throughout his teaching career, he guided students while juggling his side gig in entertainment. His academic rigour and inventiveness inspired several students during his teaching career. His lectures were captivating and unforgettable because of his ability to combine humor with social lessons.
King of comedy
Jaswinder Bhalla started doing comedy gigs at university along with his friend, Bal Mukund Sharma. The friends’ duo then started the audio cassette Chhankata in 1988. They were discovered by Doordarshan Kendra, Jalandhar, while performing in Professor Mohan Singh Mela (cultural festival) and were later selected for a programme on All India Radio in 1975.
Jaswinder rose to stardom with his comedy albums and stage performances. His fictional characters like Chacha Chatur Singh and Bhana in the comedy series Chhankata became household names and helped him to rise to stardom. He has released over 27 audio and video albums of the Chhankata series. His witty timing and relatable satire made him a household name. For over 30 years, he defined Punjabi comedy on screen and stage.
Also Read: Jaswinder Bhalla passes away at 65, read to know all about his son Pukhraj Bhalla and family
Jaswinder Bhalla’s movies
Jaswinder Bhalla has starred in several popular Punjabi movies like Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), directed by Jaspal Bhatti. He later appeared in Jihne Mera Dil Luteya and Aappan Pher Milange. Other notable credits of Jaswinder Bhalla include Carry On Jatta (2012) and Carry On Jatta 2 (2018), Jatt & Juliet (2012), Yaar Anmulle (2011), Mr & Mrs 420 (2014), and Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin (2014).
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