Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting and comic roles in films such as Welcome, Aashiqui, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, died in Mumbai on Thursday, September 24, at the age of 75. He passed away at Nanavati Hospital at around 7 pm after being admitted there about two weeks earlier. His son Mohsin Khan confirmed the death to PTI, saying the actor had initially complained of stomach pain and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.
Khan had a career spanning several decades and appeared in more than 500 films, according to PTI. He began his screen career with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai? and later became a familiar face in Hindi cinema through films including Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Hera Pheri, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Jodi No. 1 and Welcome. He also worked extensively in television and continued to appear in films in recent years.
One of Mushtaq Khan’s most recognised performances came in the 2007 comedy Welcome, where he played Ballu, a disabled hockey player. His comic timing and memorable dialogue made the character popular with audiences. He also appeared in later films including Gadar 2, Stree 2, Badhaai Do and Jaat, maintaining a presence in Hindi cinema across different generations.
According to reports, Khan had previously been diagnosed with cancer several years ago and had recovered, but the disease later returned. India Today reported that he had been undergoing treatment at Nanavati Hospital for around 15 days after the cancer relapsed. Reports differ on the specific type of cancer, with some outlets describing it as liver cancer and others reporting lung cancer that had spread to the liver. For that reason, it is safer in a general news report to state that he died after battling cancer. Khan’s death has prompted tributes from members of the Hindi film industry. Director Anees Bazmee, who worked with him in Welcome, and actors including Sanjay Mishra and Anupam Kher remembered the veteran performer. Khan is survived by his family, and his funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 25.