Renowned Punjabi actor Jaswinder Bhalla died at a private hospital in Mohali on August 22, 2025, Friday, morning following a brief illness, family associates confirmed. He was 65.

Reports said he had been admitted to Fortis Hospital a few days ago after falling ill. Cremation has been scheduled for Saturday, 23 August, at 12 pm at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali.

Bhalla, among the most recognisable faces in Punjabi cinema and stage, was celebrated for a long-running body of satirical work and for scene-stealing turns in popular films.

To mainstream audiences across India and the Punjabi diaspora, he was indelibly associated with his comic creation “Advocate Dhillon”, a character that became a cultural touchstone through the Carry On Jatta franchise and spawned catchphrases repeated well beyond the cinema hall.

Beyond the screen, Bhalla had a distinguished academic career. A product of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where he completed his BSc and MSc, he later served on the faculty and rose to head the Department of Extension Education before superannuating in 2020.

He earned a PhD in agricultural science and balanced teaching with an increasingly prolific schedule in film and stage.

Starting with the Chhankata audio and video series in the late 1980s, Bhalla’s satire drew on everyday Punjabi life, skewering social foibles while keeping the humour accessible.

His filmography later expanded with roles in hits such as Mahaul Theek Hai, Jatt & Juliet and Carry On Jatta, where his timing, deadpan delivery and mordant one-liners reliably lifted ensemble comedies.

Colleagues frequently cited his generosity on set and his knack for elevating material with improvisation rooted in stage craft.

News of his death prompted tributes from across the Punjabi film fraternity and political figures, who hailed him as a “proud Punjabi voice” whose work bridged mass entertainment and social commentary.

Large crowds of admirers and industry peers are expected to gather in Mohali on Saturday to pay their respects.

Bhalla is survived by his wife and children. Further details from the family were awaited at the time of publication.

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