Mushtaq Khan death: Revisiting his 3-decade journey from Welcome to Gadar
Actor Mushtaq Khan died of liver cancer in Mumbai today. With a career of three decades, the actor is widely known for his comic roles and for appearing in a wide range of films and television projects. While comedy became closely associated with his work, the actor also took on dramatic and family-oriented roles, often playing characters such as policemen, neighbours, clerks, relatives and other supporting figures.
Khan’s association with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt marked an important phase in his early career. After reportedly struggling to get an opportunity to meet Bhatt, he eventually landed a role in Kabzaa in 1988. The film was followed by collaborations with Bhatt on projects including Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Sir and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke.
His role as Bhagwati Prasad Mishra in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke (1993) helped establish him as a familiar face in Hindi films. Khan subsequently appeared in several popular comedies, including Hera Pheri, Jodi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Welcome.
In Welcome (2007), Khan played a disabled hockey player, Ballu, a role that became one of his most recognisable performances. Although the role was a supporting one, Khan’s comic timing and distinctive mannerisms helped make the character memorable. Welcome, starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and Paresh Rawal, went on to become one of the popular Hindi comedies of its time, and Khan’s appearance in the film became one of the roles audiences continued to associate with him.
However, his filmography was not limited to comedy. He continued to take on varied supporting roles across genres, while also working in television. His credits include the television series Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and films such as Bala, Badhaai Do and Stree 2.
Over the years, the actor remained a familiar supporting presence in Hindi entertainment, moving between comedy, drama and character-driven roles. His career reflects the work of an actor who often played supporting parts but became recognisable to audiences through his appearances across several generations of Hindi cinema.
Born in Baihar town in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district, Khan came from a Muslim family and went on to establish himself as a familiar supporting actor in Hindi cinema.
In November 2024, he made headlines after he was abducted and held for ransom after being lured to Uttar Pradesh on the pretext of attending an event. According to reports, the actor was abducted on November 20 and taken from Delhi to Bijnor, where he was held captive and allegedly forced to pay a ransom of Rs 2.20 lakh. He managed to escape a day later.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his business partner Shivam. The actor was admitted to Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment. The actor’s funeral will take place tomorrow, September 25.- EndsALSO READ | Anupam Kher reacts to Govinda's personal life crisis, shares an advice
