Jaswinder Bhalla, the iconic comedian and actor known fondly as Chacha Chatra, passed away on Friday afternoon following a brain stroke at the age of 65. Today, the Punjabi film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures. According to BBC journalist Navjot Kaur, his friend Bal Mukand Sharma said that Jaswinder Bhalla suffered a brain stroke on Wednesday evening, after which he was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali. Despite continuous treatment, his condition worsened, and he breathed his last at 4 am on Friday. Sharma confirmed the heartbreaking news, adding that Bhalla’s cremation will be held in Mohali on Saturday.
His fans, colleagues, and friends took to social media to share their grief, offer condolences to his family, and remember Bhalla for his work in Punjabi cinema.
While tributes pour in, his sudden demise has also brought focus on brain strokes, a serious condition that claims millions of lives worldwide each year.
What is a brain stroke?
A brain stroke, often referred to simply as a “stroke,” happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage or death within minutes.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. In India, according to the Indian Stroke Association, more than 1.8 million people suffer a stroke every year, with rising cases among people under 50 due to lifestyle-related risk factors.
Causes of brain stroke
As per the WHO, strokes are primarily categorised into two types:
- Ischemic stroke – This type occurs when a blood clot or fatty deposits block an artery supplying blood to the brain. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 85–87 per cent of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic stroke – This type results from the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to internal bleeding. Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13–15 per cent of all strokes and are often more severe.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are several key factors that increase the risk for stroke. High blood pressure is the biggest risk, as constant pressure weakens arteries and can cause them to burst. Diabetes and high blood sugar damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of clots, while high cholesterol leads to fatty deposits that can block arteries.
Heart conditions and stroke risk
Heart conditions, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), increase the risk. AF increases the risk of ischemic stroke by five times, according to the study ‘Stroke and Bleeding Risk in Atrial Fibrillation’ published in Stroke in 2023. Another 2023 study, ‘Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions,’ published in The Lancet Neurology, explains the long-term stroke risk associated with AF.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices
Unhealthy lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits contribute to stroke risk. A study published in PLOS Medicine in 2022 titled ‘Cigarette Smoking and Risk of Different Pathologic Types of Stroke’ found that smoking was the most deadly risk factor for stroke, with a hazard ratio of 1.90. Another 2023 study titled ‘Quantifying the Impact of Smoking on Stroke Prevalence’ published in BMC Public Health explains that exposure to nicotine and carbon monoxide through smoking increases the stroke risk.
Obesity and stress
Obesity and stress are also major contributors to stroke risk. A meta-analysis published in Stroke in 2023 titled ‘Obesity Paradox and Stroke Outcomes According to Stroke Subtype’ found that hemorrhagic stroke risk was increased with obesity at age 31 in both men and women. The 2023 study ‘Chronic Stress and Stroke Among the Adult Population in the United States’ published in PLOS Medicine reported that psychological distress more than doubled the risk of stroke among the adult population.
Age and family history
Age and family history are important factors in stroke risk. According to the CDC, stroke risk doubles every decade after age 55, but younger adults are also increasingly affected. A 2023 study in JAHA, ‘Genetic and Nongenetic Components of Stroke Family History,’ reveals that family history can partly influence stroke risk.
In Jaswinder Bhalla’s case, as per media reports, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke due to a brain vessel rupture, which led to severe blood loss.
First warning signs of a brain stroke
Doctors stress that time is brain, and even a second of delay can cause more damage to brain cells. Recognising stroke symptoms early is crucial. According to the Mayo Clinic, the acronym FAST can help spot a stroke quickly:
- F – Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
- A – Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb; you may be unable to raise it.
- S – Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand.
- T – Time to call emergency services: If any of these signs appear, seek immediate medical help.
The Mayo Clinic also reveals other warning signs, including sudden severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, or loss of balance. According to the CDC, getting emergency treatment within 3–4.5 hours of symptom onset significantly improves chances of recovery and survival.
Can strokes be prevented?
According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), up to 80 per cent of strokes are preventable, with prevention largely depending on managing risk factors and making lifestyle changes. Stroke risk can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control, ideally below 120/80 mmHg, managing diabetes through regular blood sugar monitoring and proper medication, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins. Regular exercise, at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, is important, as is quitting smoking, which damages blood vessels and doubles stroke risk. Limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two for men, achieving even a 5–10 per cent reduction in weight, and practicing stress management through yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques can all significantly lower the risk of stroke.
The WHO also explains the importance of annual health check-ups, especially for people above 40, to track blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Jaswinder Bhalla’s passing is not just a huge loss for Punjabi cinema but also a reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous brain strokes can be. Bhalla, who entertained audiences for decades with his humour and relatable characters, will forever remain in the hearts of millions.