Jaspal Bhatti

Jaspal Bhatti was an Indian comedian, satirist, actor, director, producer and television personality who is best known for his satirical take on the problems of the common man in India. He is remembered for his shows on Doordarshan including Flop Show, Full Tension, and mini capsules Ulta Pulta. He introduced stand-up comedy to Indian Television, and came into limelight with his popular TV series “Ulta Pulta,” which was aired on Doordarshan in 1989. Later in 1999, with his super-hit show “The Flop Show,” his massive fan following increased and made him India’s favourite comedian. The show consisted of 10 episodes which were entirely shot in UT Chandigarh with a budget of approximately Rs. 20 lakhs. He also acted and directed the popular TV series Nonsense Private Limited for the Doordarshan television network. What attracted audience to his shows was his gift of inducing humour to highlight everyday issues of the middle class in India. Bhatti's satire on the Punjab police Mahaul Theek Hai (1999) was his first directorial venture for a full-length feature film in his native Punjabi language. He played the role of Jolly Good Singh, a guard, in the movie Fanaa. He played a comical college principal in Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe. He also starred in the comedy Punjabi film Jijaji. Bhatti appeared in SAB TV's Comedy ka King Kaun as a judge with actress Divya Dutta. In his latest stint, Bhatti and his wife Savita competed in a popular Star Plus show Nach Baliye which went on air in October 2008. He also carried out various anti-corruption crusades in Chandigarh. His frontal attack on issues like redtapism, nepotism, and corruption was both comic and awakening for masses. In 2013, he was (posthumously) honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. He died in a road accident near Jalandhar on 25 October 2012, while promoting his film Power Cut.