Jr Bhatti’s tribute to papa

Jaspal Bhatti’s son Jasraj says he was ‘too late’ in making his dad proud.

Comic icon Jaspal Bhatti’s death on Thursday has left his son Jasraj shaken. Jasraj, who got injured in the same accident that took away his father’s life, had said in a recent interview, “My father is the King of Comedy; he is my mentor and I respect his firm belief in doing comedy with logic. Jaspal Sir can invent humour out of any subject, and still it makes people laugh and feel connected.”

Jasraj is planning to follow in his father’s footsteps, and was to be launched by him in his third film, Power Cut.

Ironically, Jaspal Bhatti is no more to witness the film he was very hopeful about, and a day before its release, his fans witnessed his funeral. On his funeral, Jasraj said to his aunt, “I think I am too late in making my father proud; my father had a wish to be addressed as ‘Jasraj’s father’.”

Bhatti Sr was known as a satirical humorist who made his way into the hearts of people with TV comedies such as Ulta Pulta and Flop Show. Flop Show had only 10 episodes, but ran long and popular in the late 80s and 90s and left a legacy like no other comedy show on Indian television.

Jaspal, while at the promotional campaign for Power Cut in Chandigarh, had said, “I have always taken it as a challenge to make comedy out of a dry subject.” He also showed his concern towards the lack of good subjects in Punjabi cinema. “I do not think anyone is working on good and strong scripts, but after sending undercurrents to the public from this film, I would definitely work on highlighting the issue of Punjabi girls marrying NRIs (the problems they face, in a comical way).”

He also wanted to address other issues through his comedy, such as drugs. “We will pick up all the issues concerning the common man ... I am sure my subjects would make higher authorities feel ashamed, but I do not know if this will bring about change,” he had said.