Veteran Punjabi Actor-Comedian Jaswinder Bhalla Passes Away at 65:
Jaswinder Bhalla’s name is deeply etched in the heart of Punjabi entertainment, celebrated not only for his effortless comic timing but also for his academic achievements. Long before the silver screen welcomed him, Bhalla had already become an iconic figure in Punjabi stage comedy, bringing to life unforgettable characters like Chacha Chatur Singh and Bhana in the immensely popular Chhankata series.
Renowned Punjabi actor-comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at a private hospital in Mohali on Friday morning (August 22, 2026) following a brief illness, a family friend confirmed. He was 65.
Bhalla had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier after falling ill. A beloved comedian and versatile character actor, he was best known for his roles in Punjabi films such as Carry On Jatta, Mahaul Theek Hai, Jatt Airways, and Jatt & Juliet 2, among many others.
Gippy Grewal has expressed grief over the passing of Jaswinder Bhalla. On Friday, the singer-actor took to Instagram to share a series of pictures with the late Punjabi star, along with an emotional note. Calling the news of Bhalla’s death the “worst,” Gippy remembered him as a father figure.
“It’s very hard to believe. I’m in shock. He was like a father, a mentor, and one of the most talented actors in our 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 always cherish the memories we shared and the lessons he taught me. You will always remain in my heart, @jaswinderbhalla Bhaji 🙏🏻 (sic),” Gippy wrote.
Other Punjabi actors also expressed grief:
In his cinematic journey, Jaswinder Bhalla seamlessly moved from early roles in Dulha Bhatti and Jaspal Bhatti’s satirical Mahaul Theek Hai (1999) to crowd favourites like Jatt and Juliet, Sardaar Ji, and the Carry On Jatta trilogy. He had the rare ability to make even the briefest appearances unforgettable. His turn as Advocate Dhillon in Carry On Jatta remains iconic, while his recent performance in Shinda Shinda No Papa (2024) reaffirmed his lasting connection with audiences.
Alongside his artistic pursuits, Bhalla was also a distinguished academic. As Head of the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, he exemplified how intellect and humour could flourish together, blending scholarship with satire in equal measure.
