Amritsar: Jaswinder Bhalla, the iconic Punjabi actor and comedian widely celebrated for his unparalleled contribution to Punjabi cinema and theatre, passed away today at the age of 65. The veteran entertainer, known for his sharp wit and memorable comic roles, succumbed to complications following a brain stroke.

Born on May 4, 1960, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Bhalla carved a distinctive niche in the world of comedy with his breakthrough radio series "Chhankata" in 1988. Over a celebrated career spanning decades, he became a household name through blockbuster films such as "Mahaul Theek Hai," "Carry On Jatta," "Jatt & Juliet," and "Power Cut." His portrayal of Advocate Dhillon, in particular, garnered immense love and laughter among audiences.

Apart from films, Bhalla was admired on stage for his international tours with the popular show "Naughty Baba in Town." His comedy often went beyond humour to address critical social issues, including female foeticide, drug abuse, and unemployment, marking him as a socially conscious entertainer.

Before dedicating himself fully to the entertainment industry, Bhalla was an academic with a rich educational background, holding a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Punjab Agricultural University and a doctorate from Chaudhary Charan Singh Post Graduate College. He served as a professor and headed the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University until his retirement in 2020.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief through the Punjabi film industry and his legions of fans worldwide. Tributes continue to pour in honouring his legacy as one of the most cherished figures in Punjabi comedy and cinema.