Who is Jaswinder Bhalla? Actor-comedian and academic 'Chacha Chatra' breathes last at 65

Beloved Punjabi actor-comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on Friday morning at the Fortis Hospital in Mohali, following a protracted battle with illness.

The actor's last rites will be performed tomorrow in Balongi, Mohali.

With a career spanning three decades, the 65-year-old became a household name for his quick wit and brilliant roles in films like  'Mel Karade Rabba' (2010), the 'Jatt and Juliet' series, the 'Carry On Jatta' series, 'Golak Bugni Bank Te Batua' (2018).

"The heart is saddened by the silence," lamented Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in an X post. 

Notably, back in 1989, the actor-comedian was once a lecturer in Agricultural Extension Education at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and retired as the head of the department in 2020. By this time, he already had a Ph.D. in the subject as well.

Jaswinder Bhalla obtained his B.Sc Agriculture (Hons) and M.Sc (Extension Education) degrees from the same university in 1982 and 1985 respectively. Before joining PAU, he even served as AI/ADO in the Department of Agriculture, Punjab for five years.

Just a year before joining as a lecturer, Bhalla began his entertainment career in parallel with the iconic character of Chacha Chatra in 'Chhankata 88', alongside long-time collaborator and friend Bal Mukand Sharma, and Neelu. 

Bhalla, who made his debut in the Punjabi film industry with 'Dulla Bhatti' (1998), and also showcased his talent in various stage shows including 'Naughty Baba in Town', which was very well received.

Apart from Bal Mukand Sharma, Jaswinder Bhalla has also collaborated with various other famous actors, including actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. Dosanjh and Bhalla are best known for their endearing chemistry in the 'Jatt and Juliet' films.

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