Celebrate the life and legacy of veteran Punjabi actor-comedian Jaswinder Bhalla (1960–2025): academic, satire icon, beloved for Chhankata, Carry On Jatta, Jatt & Juliet, and so much more. Discover his journey from campus to cinema.
Early Life & Academic Roots
Jaswinder Bhalla was born on May 4, 1960, in Doraha near Ludhiana, Punjab (Wikipedia, The Times of India). A scholar by nature, he earned his B.Sc. (Honours), M.Sc. (Extension Education) from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science from CCS University, Meerut (Wikipedia, The Economic Times).
Despite his academic path, Bhalla's comedic spark was undeniable. In 1988, alongside Bal Mukund Sharma, he launched the now-iconic Chhankata series, introducing characters such as Chacha Chatar Singh and Bhana through satirical sketches that resonated deeply with Punjabi audiences (Wikipedia, Filmfare, Cinema Express).
He joined PAU as an assistant professor in 1989, eventually becoming head of the Department of Extension Education before retiring in 2020 (Wikipedia, The Economic Times). His dual legacy in both academia and entertainment made him a rare and beloved figure (mint, Outlook India, The Week, Filmfare).
Comedic Career & Film Highlights
Bhalla made his film debut in Dulla Bhatti (1998) and gained early recognition with a cameo in Jaspal Bhatti’s satire Mahaul Theek Hai (1999) (The Week, mint).
Over the years, his filmography included:
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Carry On Jatta series — notably playing the iconic Advocate Dhillon (The Economic Times, mint, Gulf News)
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Jatt & Juliet and Jatt & Juliet 2 (mint, Curly Tales)
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Mahaul Theek Hai, Sardaar Ji, Mel Karade Rabba, Power Cut, and others (The Week, The Times of India, Cinema Express)
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His final film appearance was in Shinda Shinda No Papa (2024), starring alongside Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan (mint, Gulf News).
His characters were often equipped with catchy one-liners and distinct oddities, making even brief roles unforgettable (Gulf News, Curly Tales).
Personal Life & Legacy
Jaswinder Bhalla was fondly known as “Chacha Chatra”, a name that remains etched in Punjabi hearts (The Times of India).
He is survived by his wife Parmdeep Bhalla (a Fine Arts teacher), daughter Ashpreet Kaur (settled in Norway), and son Pukhraj Bhalla, who has followed his father into acting and even starred with him in Stupid 7 (2013) (The Times of India, Gulf News, The Statesman).
Passing, Tributes & Farewell
Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on August 22, 2025, at Fortis Hospital in Mohali due to a brain stroke (The Times of India, Filmfare, The Economic Times). His last rites were held the following day at Balongi cremation ground in Mohali (The Economic Times, The Times of India).
Tributes poured in from the Punjabi entertainment fraternity and political leaders alike:
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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann recalled childhood memories of Bhalla’s Chhankata cassettes and said:
“Chacha Chatra will always reside in our hearts.” (The Times of India)
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Celebrities like Gippy Grewal, Neeru Bajwa, and Binnu Dhillon expressed grief and gratitude for his mentorship and humor (The Times of India).
FAQs
Q1: Who was Jaswinder Bhalla?
A celebrated Punjabi comedian and actor known for Chhankata, his characters like Chacha Chatar Singh, and film roles such as Advocate Dhillon.
Q2: What was his academic background?
He held a Ph.D. in Extension Education and served as professor and department head at PAU until his retirement in 2020.
Q3: What were his most memorable films?
Highlights include the Carry On Jatta and Jatt & Juliet series, among many others like Sardaar Ji and Mel Karade Rabba.
Q4: How and when did he pass away?
He passed away on August 22, 2025, due to a brain stroke. His cremation was held in Mohali the following day.
Final Reflection
Jaswinder Bhalla’s life journey—from a respected academic to a comedy legend—spanned over three decades of laughter, satire, and storytelling. He leaves behind a legacy that enriched Punjabi culture, cinema, and education. Though he's no longer with us, “Chacha Chatra’s” wit, warmth, and wisdom will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
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