Satire king who made 'aam aadmi' laugh

On October 25, 2012, the world of Indian satire lost one of its brightest stars, Jaspal Bhatti, in a tragic accident. Known for his sharp wit and humorous take on everyday struggles of the common man, Bhatti spent his last day in Bathinda, a city where he shared laughter, joy, and entertainment for the last time.

Bhatti was a pioneer in Indian television satire, earning nationwide recognition for his shows 'Ulta Pulta' and 'Flop Show' in the 1990s. His humour was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as he tackled issues like corruption, bureaucracy, and inefficiency with his signature deadpan delivery. His ability to blend light-hearted comedy with a strong social message set him apart as an artist who resonated with the 'aam aadmi'.

Born in Amritsar in 1955, Bhatti’s foray into the entertainment world began with street plays that highlighted problems faced by an average Indian. As a graduate of Punjab Engineering College, his technical background often seeped into his humour, making his satire more relatable for educated audiences. His rise to fame was rooted in his ability to speak the language of the people, poking fun at absurdities in a way that made everyone laugh and reflect at the same time.

At a time when slapstick and exaggerated comedy were the norms in Indian television, his subtle, sophisticated humour appealed to audience across all age groups and walks of life.

Bhatti also ventured into Bollywood, appearing in films like "Janam Samjha Karo" and "Aa Ab Laut Chalen". His roles, though small, left a lasting impact due to his impeccable comic timing and unique persona.

Off-screen, Bhatti was equally passionate about public service. He was known to speak out against societal ills and was an advocate for civic responsibility. His satirical plays and public performances during poll campaigns were aimed at encouraging voters to be more mindful of whom they choose as their leaders.

Bhatti was on a visit to Bathinda for the promotion of his film "Power Cut", a satirical take on the frequent power outages faced by people of Punjab. His last public appearance was at an event, where he light-heartedly interacted with fans, cracking jokes and reminiscing about his early television days.

After a busy day in Bathinda, Bhatti set out on the road to Jalandhar in the night for the next leg of his promotional tour. Sadly, he never reached his destination. In the early hours of October 25, his car met with an accident near Shahkot, leading to his untimely demise. The news sent shockwaves across the country, especially in Punjab, where Bhatti was not just a comedian but a beloved cultural figure.

His wife Savita Bhatti, who frequently appeared in his shows, has kept his memory alive through Jaspal Bhatti Film School, which the couple founded together. The institution aims to nurture young talent and create socially relevant content.

His death anniversary is a reminder not only of his extraordinary contribution to the world of entertainment but also of the importance of using art as a tool for social change.