Jaswinder Bhalla retires from PAU, plans to do films for 24 hours now
Known for bringing a comic touch in Punjabi movies, Jaswinder Bhalla, 60, retired as professor-cum-head of the department of extension education, Panjab Agricultural University (PAU), in Ludhiana on Friday.
He used to teach extension education - a subject comprising of audio visuals, etc. His academic career began back in 1989 when he had first joined PAU as assistant professor.
His students swear by his style of teaching. While his celebrity status made him popular among students,
Bhalla’s style of teaching helped maintain a positive environment, they say.
“I look forward to shooting for films full-time once the lockdown is over. I will now be able to devote all my time to films, which was a hobby so far. At least five to seven of my films are stuck due to this lockdown,” he says.
Prior to the lockdown, Bhalla was busy preparing his son Pukhraj Bhalla for his debut in Punjabi film industry. “Both of us have acted in two films together, one of which was ready for release on May 1. But the release got postponed due to the nationwide lockdown,” he adds.
His advice to students is to focus on studies while simultaneously pursuing their dreams. “It is important to maintain a balance. Studies are important but sports, games and other cultural activities should also be given equal importance for allround success,” he says.
“My father always supported me in my quest to act. And I never ignored my studies. My father always saw my passion to act. This was despite the fact that career in films was looked down upon in those days. But now times have changed. And a film career is equally respectable,” he concludes.