Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting roles and comic performances in Hindi cinema, died on Thursday at the age of 56 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The Indian Express reported that the actor’s death was confirmed by Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president BN Tiwari and All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta.
Mushtaq Khan’s son Mohsin also confirmed the actor’s death to PTI. According to him, Khan was taken to Nanavati Hospital after complaining of stomach pain, where doctors discovered that he had cancer.
“He passed away due to cancer at Nanavati hospital at around 7 pm. He had complained of stomach pain, so we took him to the hospital where doctors discovered that he has cancer. His health worsened in the last few days. He was perfectly fine, he had no major issues, rather he was shooting for the debut film of Shera’s (Salman Khan’s bodyguard) son prior to his hospitalisation,” Mohsin told PTI.
The Indian Express reported that AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta told SCREEN that Mushtaq Khan had first been diagnosed with cancer around five years ago and had recovered. However, according to Gupta, the disease relapsed about two weeks before his death, after which the actor was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.
FWICE president BN Tiwari also confirmed the actor’s death to SCREEN.
“He passed away less than an hour ago. He was sick since many days. I am trying to get in touch with his family,” Tiwari told SCREEN.
News of Mushtaq Khan’s death prompted tributes from people who had known and worked with him throughout his long career. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit recalled his decades-long friendship with the actor and spoke about their early days in theatre and television.
“Mushtaq and I were very old friends. We did theatre, plays and TV shows together. He was like a part of our family and was very close to me. His loss is unbelievable. He was an example for the industry — coming to Mumbai from a small town, studying theatre, being passionate about his craft and being a very good human being. It’s a loss to the industry and a personal loss to me.”
Pandit also remembered the difficult period they went through while trying to establish themselves in the entertainment industry.
“We were both groomed together. We grew up together like brothers. Despite the scarcity of money, we lived through difficult times together. It’s the loss of a dear friend, a brother, and an actor who mastered the art of performance. He was brilliant on stage. We lost Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, and now Mushtaq. One after the other, it is becoming really difficult to face these kinds of losses,” he added.
The Indian Express noted that Mushtaq Khan’s funeral was scheduled to take place on Friday at Yari Road Kabristan.
Mushtaq Khan’s four-decade career
Mushtaq Khan made his screen debut with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai in 1980 and went on to establish himself as a familiar face in Hindi cinema. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he appeared in films across different genres and worked with several generations of actors and filmmakers.
According to The Indian Express, his filmography included popular titles such as Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Raja, Hera Pheri, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Jodi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome, Wanted and Oh My God!.
Khan was particularly remembered for his comic timing and supporting performances. One of his most recognisable roles came in Anees Bazmee’s Welcome (2007), where he played Ballu, a henchman associated with Nana Patekar’s character Uday Shetty. The Indian Express highlighted the role as one of his memorable performances, particularly his comic monologue about having a fake leg.
He continued to work in Hindi cinema well into the 2020s. His later appearances included Stree, Badhaai Do, Gadar 2and Stree 2. His more recent credits included Vanvaas, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. He also worked in television, including the popular show Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi.
Mushtaq Khan’s death marks the loss of a veteran character actor whose performances, particularly in supporting and comic roles, became familiar to generations of Hindi-film audiences.
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