Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan passes away at 56

Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting roles in films such as “Welcome”, “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha”, “Gadar 2” and “Stree 2”, has died at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer.

The actor passed away at around 7pm on Thursday after being admitted to Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital in critical condition. He had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

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Confirming the news to HT City, his business partner Shivam said Khan had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered. However, the disease returned eight days before his death, leading to his hospitalisation.

“He passed away around 7pm on Thursday. He had been detected with lung cancer earlier and had got well. However, it relapsed eight days back and had to be admitted to the hospital. It was last stage cancer,” Shivam said.

Following the news of his death, fans and members of the entertainment industry took to social media to remember the actor and his performances.

Actor and film critic Kamaal R Khan wrote on X, “RIP Mushtaq Bhai. You will be missed bro!”

Several fans recalled Khan’s portrayal of Ballu in the comedy film “Welcome”, particularly his memorable dialogue about having a prosthetic leg and being a former hockey player.

Others remembered his performance as Mishra Ji in Aamir Khan’s “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke”, praising the warmth and humour he brought to the character.

Khan made his screen debut in the 1980 film “Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai”. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he appeared in numerous Hindi films, including “Aashiqui”, “Mujhse Shaadi Karoge”, “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke” and “Welcome”.

He also worked extensively in television, establishing himself as a familiar face through his supporting roles and comic performances.

In an earlier interview with Bollywood Hungama, Khan recalled how veteran screenwriter Salim Khan helped him secure a significant opportunity in the Hindi film industry.

According to the actor, Salim Khan noticed his performance in a stage play and subsequently recommended him to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.

The recommendation led Khan to meet Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt and Robin Bhatt, eventually securing a role in the 1988 film “Kabzaa”, which starred Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia, Sanjay Dutt and Amrita Singh.

Khan’s performances across film and television earned him recognition among audiences, with fans continuing to share clips of his memorable scenes following his death.