Jaswinder Bhalla And His Wish to Visit Lahore

Smeep Kang’s blockbuster “Carry on Jatta” was the first major introduction of Jaswinder Bhalla to Punjab, Pakistan.

Jaswinder Bhalla died on Friday. While his death mourned in India, thousands in Pakistan have also expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of iconic artist.

Known Punjabi comedians Nasir Chinyoti, Iftikhar Thakur and others posted messages on social media. They expressed sympathies to the family and friends of Bhalla. The artists also shared their memorable pictures with Bhalla on social platforms.

Advocate Dhillon:

Jaswinder Bhalla made entry into Punjabi entertainment industry in early 1980s. But, majority of youth in west Punjab know him best for his character “Advocate Dhillon.”

“The comic character in 2012’s super-hit film brought a real fame for him in western Punjab. From Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan to Bahawalpur, “Advocate Dhillon” has become a household name for Punjabis,” says Nasir Gujjar.

“You will hardly meet a person in Lahore who does not know Advocate Dhillon and his kala coat dialogue,” he added, referring to the role. A resident of Ali Town, Nasir is a fan of Punjabi movies and songs.

Punjab, Pakistan, itself produced great Punjabi comedians over years. From late Amanullah to Saleem Albela, the entertainment industry, particularly the stage drama, has showcased unmatched comic versatility.  

But boom in Pollywood over last two decades attracted millions in Pakistan. It led to different co-projects among artists of divided Punjab. Also, it played a key role in recognition of east Punjab’s artists to huge population. Bhalla was among top names on the list.

Since 2012, he has become a part of memes, reels, wit, satire, fun and chat in west Punjab. His popularity even went beyond Punjab, reaching the Punjabi communities of KP, Balochistan and Sindh

Along with late Sidhu Moose Wala, Gippy Grewal and Gurpreet Ghuggi and Ammy Virk, Jaswinder Bhalla was among the few towering artists from east Punjab who are equally celebrated on both sides the border.

Visit to Kartarpur Sahib:

In April, 2022, Jaswinder Sing Bhalla paid a visit to Kartarpur Sahib. Known YouTuber Nasir Dhillon received and interviewed him. Talking to Dhillon, he stated that he would like to travel to Lahore and other Sikh holy places. He expressed his hope that the authorities would soon grant him a visit visa. However, his wish was never realized. Bhalla was cremated at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali on Saturday.