Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting performances in films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 and Stree 2, has died at the age of 56. News of his death emerged on Thursday, September 24, 2026, leaving fans and members of the film industry mourning the loss of the versatile actor.
According to reports, Mushtaq Khan had been undergoing treatment for lung cancer. He was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai after his health reportedly deteriorated.
Mushtaq Khan Dies After Battle With Cancer
Mushtaq Khan had previously battled lung cancer and had reportedly recovered after treatment. However, according to his business partner Shiv, the disease returned recently.
Speaking to HT City, Shiv reportedly confirmed that the actor died at around 7 pm on Thursday. He said that Mushtaq had been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier and had recovered, but the cancer relapsed around eight days before his death.
The actor was reportedly in critical condition and receiving treatment in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Fans Pay Tribute to Mushtaq Khan
Following the news of his death, fans took to social media to remember Mushtaq Khan and his contribution to Hindi cinema.
Actor and commentator KRK also paid tribute to him on X, expressing his grief over the actor’s passing.
Many fans shared clips from Mushtaq Khan’s films, remembering his comic timing and ability to make even supporting characters memorable.
One of the most widely remembered performances is his role as Ballu in the comedy film Welcome. His dialogue about having a fake leg and being a former hockey player became one of the film’s most recognizable comic moments.
Fans also remembered his performance as Mishra Ji in Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla’s Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. Social media tributes highlighted the warmth and humour he brought to his supporting characters.
Mushtaq Khan’s Bollywood Career
Mushtaq Khan worked in the Hindi film industry for more than three decades and built a reputation as a dependable character actor.
He made his screen debut with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. Over the years, he appeared in numerous popular movies across different genres.
Some of his notable films include:
- Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke
- Aashiqui
- Welcome
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
- Gadar: Ek Prem Katha
- Gadar 2
- Stree 2
Although he was often seen in supporting roles, Mushtaq Khan’s performances frequently added humour and personality to the films he appeared in. His work also extended to television.
How Salim Khan Helped Mushtaq Khan Get a Bollywood Break
In an earlier interview with Bollywood Hungama, Mushtaq Khan spoke about an important turning point in his career and credited veteran screenwriter Salim Khan for helping him get an opportunity in Bollywood.
According to Mushtaq, Salim Khan had watched him perform in a play and was impressed by his acting. He subsequently recommended his name to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
That introduction eventually helped Mushtaq meet Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt and Robin Bhatt. He later appeared in the 1988 film Kabzaa, which featured actors including Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia, Sanjay Dutt and Amrita Singh.
A Career Built on Memorable Supporting Roles
Mushtaq Khan’s career was defined by his ability to bring distinctive personalities to the screen. From comedy to drama, he appeared in a wide range of films and television projects.
For many viewers, his performances were memorable even when he was not the lead actor. His role in Welcome remains particularly popular among comedy fans, while his appearances in films such as Gadar and Stree 2 introduced his work to newer generations of audiences.
His death at 56 marks the loss of a familiar face from Hindi cinema. Fans continue to share scenes and dialogues from his films online as they remember the actor’s contribution to Bollywood.
Mushtaq Khan: Remembering the Actor
Mushtaq Khan leaves behind a body of work spanning more than three decades. His performances in supporting and character roles made him a recognizable presence in Hindi cinema.
As tributes continue to appear on social media, fans are remembering him not only for individual characters but also for the humour, expressions and distinctive screen presence he brought to his performances.
