Jaswinder Bhalla: A professor who made state laugh

Punjabi entertainment industry and academic community are reeling from the sudden demise of legendary comedian and educator Dr Jaswinder Bhalla, who passed away early this morning at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, at the age of 65. Known for his iconic comic roles and sharp satire, Bhalla was also a respected professor at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where he served as Head of the Department of Extension Education till his retirement in 2020.

The city, which nurtured Jaswinder Bhalla’s roots and witnessed his rise from a humble lecturer to a cultural icon, on Friday mourns the loss of its beloved son. Streets that once echoed with his punchlines and parodies, now carry a quiet weight of remembrance. The sound of laughter — his signature gift to Punjab — has fallen silent, leaving behind a void that feels deeply personal to every household that once chuckled at his satire.

Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, State Food Commission, Punjab, his longtime comedy partner, said with a heavy heart: “He created a void that can never be filled. I’ve lost my dear friend, my stage companion and the soul of our satire.”

The Punjabi Sahit Akademi paid heartfelt tributes to Dr Jaswinder Bhalla, remembering him as a cherished son of the Punjabi language and a master of satire whose passing has left the sound of laughter forever silenced. Akademi president Dr Sarbjit Singh expressed sorrow, calling Bhalla “a beloved torchbearer of Punjabi wit, who has left us bereft of his vibrant humour.”

General secretary Dr Gulzar Singh Pandher reflected on days spent with him at the PAU, saying it was an honour to be a contemporary of legends such as Dr Jaswinder Bhalla and Dr Surjit Patar.

Prof Gurbhajan Singh Gill, who first met Bhalla in 1976 and considered him like a son, shared with quiet anguish: “He left before I could meet him — before the sun could rise today.”

PAU V-C Dr SS Gosal remembered Bhalla as “a world-renowned actor and a pioneer in education and co-curricular activities. His contribution to the Punjabi literature and culture was immeasurable. The PAU was proud to have nurtured such a multifaceted personality.”

Bhalla had once expressed regret that he retired during the pandemic without a proper farewell from his students — a moment, he said, would remain a lifelong sorrow.

Today, those students were mourning the loss of a mentor who taught them not only agriculture but also life through laughter and wisdom.

A former student, Gurpreet Singh, shared: “He was the only professor who could make you laugh in the corridor and make you think deeply in the classroom. His lectures were refined, his humour never interfered in his teaching. We learned life from him, not just lessons.”

Punjab has lost a distinguished academician, an inspiring social reformer, and one of its greatest artistes. His legacy will live on in PAU classrooms, in memories of farmers he guided and in the timeless performances that continue to bring smiles to generations, adds Prof Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU.

Floral tributes were also paid to Dr Bhalla at the PAU today.

Dr Bhalla’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to echo in classrooms, on screens and in hearts of those who learned from him, laughed with him and loved him.

A personal glimpse

In an informal conversation years ago, this correspondent once asked Dr Bhalla if his classroom turned into a comedy show, when he entered. He smiled and replied: “No, when I’m in class, I’m serious. I teach in a refined manner.” Afterwards, he shared a story that can make anybody chuckle.

One of his students had proudly pointed him on television to his grandmother, saying, “That’s my professor!” The grandmother, unimpressed by comic antics, replied: “It’s better to sit at home than study from a teacher who only knows how to make people laugh.”

Bhalla laughed while recounting it, not with bitterness but with the grace of someone who knew that laughter, too, was a form of wisdom.

Swarnjit Savi recalled 1988 days when he had designed a pictography for release of his first satirical audio cassette ‘Chhankata 88’ which became popular. “A glittering star of comedy and humour, rarely to be found in today’s world of chaos, fear and stress, his art of comedy will always be remembered by us,” said Prof PK Sharma.