He seriously made us laugh

Not Joking

He undoubtedly can be credited with pioneering a trend of satire on television with shows like Ulta Pulta, Flop Show, Nonsense and Full Tension during 80s and 90s. Though known largely as a comedian-actor, Jaspal Bhatti, before joining television industry was working as a cartoonist for a daily newspaper in Chandigarh.

While studying engineering in college, Jaspal was actively involved with street theatre. From here, his love for satire and comedy took him to the small screen before he was invited to be a part of the 35 mm. Remembered even today, both Flop Show and Ulta Pulta, garnered a pan-India audience and mercilessly poked fun at the socio-political situation existing in our society. Unlike the current stand-up comedies, Jaspal’s shows steered clear of adult and vulgar content which passes off in the name of comedy and that one factor alone, widened his audience range.

Jaspal made a directorial debut with a satire on the Punjab police Mahaul Theek Hai in 1998 and also acted in several films like Salman Khan starer Janam Samjha Karo; Akshaye Khanna-Aishwarya Rai’s Aa Ab Laut Chalen and Aamir Khan-Kajol hit Fanaa. The sudden demise of the 57-year-old actor-director has saddened people from all walks of life cutting across age groups. Expressing his sadness over his death, Akshay Kumar tweeted, “Saddened to know about the death of the great comedian, Jaspal Bhatti. I have fond memories of his super-hit show, Flop Show.”

Riteish Deshmukh, who worked with him in his debut Tujhe Meri Kasam, tweeted, “RIP Jaspal Bhatti - Super Hit man from d FLOP SHOW - worked with him in my debut film... humble, kind, happy, funny and helpful. One of the first ppl (sic) to entertain audience with his political satires. Condolences to the family - a big n untimely loss.”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar states, “To make people laugh is an art & Jaspal Bhatti mastered it. RIP Bhattiji, may God give strength to your family.”

Vicky Donor star Ayushmann Khurrana said, “RIP Jaspal Bhatti uncle. My dad’s closest pal. May God give strength to Jasraj and Rabia and Savita aunty.”

Television actor and theatre personality Deven Bhojani expressed his shock over Jaspal’s demise. “It was shocking to hear about the sad demise of Jaspal Bhattiji. He was a master of comedy but unfortunately I never got an opportunity to work with him. We all will miss his unique stylwe of creating humour. May God bless his soul. RIP Jaspalji.”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Jaspal a king of comedy who spent all his life making people laugh with all his seriousness. What a loss!