Film stars, fans bid tearful adieu to Jaswinder Bhalla

Politicians, film stars and fans turned up in large numbers to pay tributes to actor-comedian Jaswinder Bhalla during his cremation here this afternoon.

Among those present were actors Binnu Dhillon, Karamjit Anmol, Gurpreet Ghuggi and Gippy Grewal.

Popular Punjabi singers Mohammad Sadiq, Hans Raj Hans and Amar Noorie also paid tributes to Bhalla, along with Punjab Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, British Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, and his long-time friend and Punjab Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma.

Describing him as an exceptional human being and a true pride of Punjab, Sond said Bhalla brought endless smiles to the faces of people and would always be remembered for his legendary role as Chacha Chatar Singh.

“Your words, your performances and your unique acting will remain alive in our memories forever,” the minister said. “Wherever Punjabis are in the world, there is a wave of grief today,” he said, adding that Bhalla’s association with Sharma and Neelu in popular comedy series “Chhankata” will remain evergreen in people’s hearts.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal said the university would always be proud of its alumnus and former faculty member who created a distinctive global identity through his satire and comedy.