Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, a familiar face in Hindi cinema for over three decades, has died. He passed away on Thursday evening, September 24, at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital, where he had been admitted for the past 15 days. His business partner has confirmed that he had been battling cancer.
Mushtaq Khan passes away at Nanavati Hospital
According to an AajTak report, the ‘Welcome’ actor was taken to the hospital after his health worsened and was kept in the ICU. The report said he had been fighting cancer, which was first diagnosed five years ago and became serious again recently.His business partner, Shivam, confirmed the news to HT City. He said, “He (Mushtaq Khan) 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.”Soon, actor-comedian Sunil Pal took to his Instagram Stories to mourn the demise of the veteran actor. Sharing a picture of Mushtaq Khan, Sunil Pal wrote, “RIP Mushtaq Khan saab.”
Mushtaq Khan, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Gadar’ Actor, Dies at 56
Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, who entertained audiences for more than three decades with his memorable supporting and comic roles, has passed away at the age of 56.
The actor, known for films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Aashiqui and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, died on Thursday evening, September 24, at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital. He had reportedly been undergoing treatment there for the past 15 days.
According to his business partner Shivam, Mushtaq Khan had been battling cancer, which had returned recently.
Mushtaq Khan Dies at Nanavati Hospital
According to an AajTak report, Mushtaq Khan’s health had deteriorated in recent days, following which he was admitted to the hospital and kept in the ICU.
His business partner Shivam confirmed the news to HT City and said that the actor had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer around five years ago. After recovering, he continued his professional work, but the disease reportedly returned recently.
Shivam said that the cancer had relapsed around eight days before his death and had reached an advanced stage.
Following the news of his passing, actor-comedian Sunil Pal also paid tribute to him on Instagram Stories. Sharing a photograph of Mushtaq Khan, Sunil wrote, “RIP Mushtaq Khan saab.”
A Familiar Face Across Films, Television and Theatre
Mushtaq Khan was not limited to Bollywood. Over the years, he also worked in television and theatre, building a reputation for his natural comic timing and ability to bring supporting characters to life.
While he often appeared in smaller roles, his performances were frequently remembered long after the films ended.
Mushtaq Khan in ‘Welcome’
One of Mushtaq Khan’s most memorable performances came in the 2007 comedy Welcome, where he played Ballu, the loyal sidekick of Uday Shetty, played by Nana Patekar.
His straight-faced comic delivery and quirky character quickly made Ballu a favourite among viewers.
His famous dialogue, “Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bahut bada khiladi tha,” became one of the most widely remembered lines from the film and continues to be quoted by fans.
His Association With Mahesh Bhatt
Mushtaq Khan had spoken about his early days in the film industry during an interview published in August 2026.
He recalled that Salim Khan’s recommendation helped him get an opportunity to meet filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. That meeting eventually led to his role in Kabzaa in 1988.
His association with Mahesh Bhatt continued through several films, including Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Saathi, Sadak, Junoon, Gunaah, Sir and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.
A Career Spanning More Than Three Decades
Mushtaq Khan began his film career in the 1980s and went on to appear in a wide range of Hindi films.
He was particularly remembered for playing Gul Khan, popularly known as Gullu, in the Gadar franchise.
He appeared alongside Sunny Deol in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha in 2001 and returned to the franchise more than two decades later with Gadar 2 in 2023.
Some of his other notable films include Aashiqui (1990), Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991), Sadak (1991), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Krantiveer (1994), Raja (1995), Jodi No. 1 (2001), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Welcome (2007), Wanted (2009), Oh My God! (2012), Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024).
Family
Mushtaq Khan is survived by his family. He was married to Salma Khan, and the couple have children, including sons Mohammed Arshad Khan and Mohshin Khan.
Arshad is married to Saba Khan, who works as a teacher, while Mohshin has worked as a model.
Bollywood Mourns the Loss
Mushtaq Khan’s death has left many in the film industry mourning the loss of a familiar and much-loved character actor.
Across a career spanning several decades, he appeared in comedy, drama and character-driven roles, often leaving a strong impression despite not always being the lead.
His performances in films such as Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Welcome and the Gadar franchise remain among his most remembered works.
For generations of Hindi film audiences, Mushtaq Khan was one of those dependable actors whose presence could instantly add personality and humour to a scene. His contribution to Indian cinema will continue to be remembered through the many characters he brought to life.
