Chandigarh [India], August 23 (ANI): Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice president Fatehjung Singh Bajwa on Saturday expressed grief over the demise of veteran Punjabi actor-comedian Jaswinder Bhalla, terming it as an 'irreparable loss' for the Punjabi art world.

Bajwa said that Bhalla's contribution to the Punjabi cinema and comedy was immense and can never be compared.

Speaking to ANI, Bajwa said, 'This is the real earning of Jaswinder Bhalla because a large number of people came to pay their tribute to him... This loss can never be compensated... Jaswinder Bhalla made a place in the hearts of the people.'

Veteran actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on August 22 at 65, after being reportedly unwell for the past few months. Known for his flawless comic timing and satirical dialogues, Bhalla was a stalwart of Punjabi cinema who redefined comedy on screen.

BJP Punjab President Sunil Jakhar said, 'Jaswinder Bhalla made a place in people's hearts and people used to get delighted after watching his movies... It's a huge loss for the country and Punjab.'

Earlier today, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condoled the death of actor Jaswinder Bhalla, recalling their friendly competitions in the past.

'Today is a very sad day for the Punjabi art world. Jaswinder Bhalla, who created a new dimension in Punjabi music and played memorable roles in Punjabi films, will be remembered,' the Punjab CM, a former actor himself, said on Friday.

The Punjab CM added, 'He died very untimely. I am his junior, but after many years, we started competing among ourselves, whether Jaswinder Bhalla is number 1 or Bhagwant Mann is number 1. But you can never be bigger than your role models, your coaches, your teachers.'

Earlier, multiple leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, fans, and film industry professionals mourned the demise of the actor.

From fans to renowned dignitaries from the film industry, many took to social media to pay tributes to the departed soul.

Jaswinder Bhalla died on Friday morning at Fortis Hospital in Mohali after battling illness for the past few months.

Bhalla was loved by audiences for his memorable performances in films like 'Gaddi Chaldi Hai Chhalla Maarke,' 'Carry On Jatta,' 'Jind Jaan,' and 'Band Baaje.'

With his charm and wit, he carved a special place in Punjabi cinema and the hearts of millions. His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 12 noon at the Balongi cremation ground in Mohali. (ANI)