Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for memorable supporting roles in films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 and Stree 2, has died at 56 after battling cancer.
Hindustan Times reported that Khan died 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. His business partner Shivam confirmed the news to the publication.
Shivam said Khan had earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered. The disease relapsed eight days before his death, forcing him to return to hospital.
“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.
News of Khan’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and members of the entertainment industry. Actor and film critic Kamaal R Khan wrote on X, “RIP Mushtaq Bhai. You will be missed bro!”
Fans also revisited Khan’s much-loved performance as Ballu in Welcome. Many remembered his comic dialogue about having a prosthetic leg and once being a hockey player.
Others recalled his role 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 with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. His career spanned more than three decades, during which he appeared in numerous Hindi films, including Aashiqui, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Welcome.
He also worked extensively in television, becoming a familiar face through supporting roles and comic performances.
In an earlier interview with Bollywood Hungama, Khan recalled how veteran screenwriter Salim Khan helped him secure a major opportunity in the Hindi film industry.
According to Khan, Salim Khan noticed his performance in a stage play and recommended him to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
The recommendation led to a meeting with Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt and Robin Bhatt. Khan subsequently secured a role in the 1988 film Kabzaa, which starred Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia, Sanjay Dutt and Amrita Singh.
Khan’s work across film and television earned him a lasting place among Hindi cinema audiences. Following his death, fans continued to share clips of his memorable performances and comic scenes.
