Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan died on Thursday after battling cancer at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. Known for his iconic supporting and comedic roles across more than 500 films, including Welcome and Gadar, he had been hospitalized following a recent relapse.
He is survived by his wife and two children, a son and a daughter.
Nanavati Hospital and Family Statement
Mushtaq Khan passed away at around 7 p.m. on Thursday at Nanavati Hospital in suburban Mumbai, where he had been receiving treatment for about a fortnight. His son, Mohsin, confirmed the news to the Press Trust of India, explaining that the actor had initially sought medical attention after experiencing stomach pain, which led doctors to discover he was battling cancer. He passed away due to cancer at Nanavati Hospital at around 7 p.m.
His health worsened in the last few days,
his son Mohsin told PTI. Mohsin also shared, He was perfectly fine; he had no major issues.
Family and colleagues noted that his condition had deteriorated rapidly toward the end. His business partner, Shivam, stated that the actor had been diagnosed with lung cancer five years ago and later recovered. However, the cancer recently relapsed, and he was admitted to Nanavati Hospital around 15 days ago with terminal-stage cancer.
Rajpal Yadav
Actor Rajpal Yadav visited him at the hospital just hours before his passing, later sharing an emotional reflection online about their final interaction. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Rajpal wrote in Hindi, This afternoon I went to meet Mushtaq Bhai, talked to him. He saw me, shook my hand and was listening to all our conversations and reacting to them. We are all bowing down to the decision of the Almighty. Mushtaq Bhai was, is and will always be a popular person and actor and will remain so. I offer you a heartfelt tribute with a heavy heart.
Mushtaq Khan built a prolific career spanning five decades, acting in over 500 movies and garnering wide popularity through his supporting and character roles. Over the decades, he became a familiar face in Hindi cinema, moving effortlessly between comedic supporting parts and grounded character roles across hundreds of productions, including hits such as “Welcome”, “Gadar” and Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke
, as well as “Aashiqui”, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin
, “Saathi”, “Sadak”, “Junoon”, “Gunaah”, “Sir”, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
, and “Welcome”.
Digital Commentary
Audiences most frequently remembered him for his character as Ballu in Akshay Kumar’s Welcome. Aur salary toh Akshay Kumar ke staff se bhi kam mila tha.
Talking about Bollywood’s obsession with hockey sticks, he had said, Jab jhogra hote hain do gang ke beech, log hockey sticks use karte hain. Taang toot ke liye hockey stick the.
An old clip of the actor also made rounds on the internet recalling how megastar Amitabh Bachchan helped him buy his first flat in Mumbai. Bachchan sahab us waqt Congress se Allahabad se MP the. Maine unse kaha, Sir, aisa aisa hai,
toh unhone kaha, No problem.
Just give me a letter.
Anees Bazmee
Following the announcement of his death, figures from across the entertainment industry took to share tributes, with Bollywood celebrities including Anees Bazmee, Sanjay Mishra, Rajpal Yadav, Sunny Deol, and Raza Murad remembering the Hindi film industry veteran. Filmmaker Anees Bazmee expressed grief on Instagram, writing, Shocked and speechless by the passing of Mushtaq Bhai (my balu). A truly remarkable artist and a beautiful soul. May Allah bless his soul and give strength to his family and loved ones.
