Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several popular Hindi films including Welcome, Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Jodi No. 1 and the Gadar franchise, passed away in Mumbai on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The actor’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from members of the Hindi film industry. Known primarily for his supporting and comic roles, Mushtaq Khan remained a familiar face to Bollywood audiences for several decades.
Mushtaq Khan Dies After Battle With Cancer
According to reports from Indian Express, Hindustan Times and other major publications, Mushtaq Khan had been battling cancer. His business partner confirmed that the actor’s condition had deteriorated recently and that he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital.
Hindustan Times reported that Khan had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer and that the disease had recently returned. India Today separately reported that he had been receiving treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai for around 15 days. The actor passed away on Thursday evening.
Mushtaq Khan’s Bollywood Career
Mushtaq Khan began appearing in Hindi cinema in the 1980s and went on to build a long career as a character actor.
Indian Express reported that his screen debut came with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai in 1980. Over the years, he appeared in films across comedy, drama and action genres. Some of his notable films include:
- Aashiqui
- Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke
- Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin
- Sadak
- Krantiveer
- Jodi No. 1
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
- Welcome
- Wanted
- Oh My God!
- Stree
- Gadar 2
- Stree 2
His work also extended beyond films, with appearances in television and theatre.
His Memorable Role in ‘Welcome’
For many Hindi-film viewers, Mushtaq Khan is particularly remembered for his appearance in the 2007 comedy Welcome. He played the character of a disabled former hockey player and appeared alongside actors including Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.
His comic performance and memorable dialogue in the film became one of the roles for which audiences continued to remember him.
From ‘Aashiqui’ to ‘Gadar’
Mushtaq Khan worked with several leading actors and filmmakers during his career. He appeared in the 1990 musical romance Aashiqui and later featured in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Jodi No. 1 and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
He was also part of the Gadar franchise, appearing in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and later returning in Gadar 2. His career therefore covered several generations of Hindi cinema.
Bollywood Stars Pay Tribute
Following the news of his death, several members of the film industry remembered Mushtaq Khan. Actor Sunny Deol paid tribute to his former co-star, remembering him as both a fine actor and a good human being.
Rajpal Yadav also shared an emotional tribute. According to India Today, Yadav said that he had met Mushtaq Khan at the hospital only hours before his death and recalled speaking with him and shaking his hand.
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who worked with Khan on Welcome, also expressed shock over his death and remembered him affectionately. Actor Sanjay Mishra also spoke about Khan and recalled the guidance and support he had received from him.
A Familiar Face in Hindi Cinema
Mushtaq Khan may not have always been the lead actor, but his supporting performances made him a recognisable presence in Hindi films.
His career is an example of the important role character actors play in building the world of a film. From comedy to serious supporting parts, Khan appeared alongside many of the industry’s leading performers.
His memorable appearances in films such as Welcome, Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Gadar ensured that he remained familiar to generations of Bollywood audiences.
Mushtaq Khan’s Legacy
The passing of Mushtaq Khan marks the loss of a veteran performer who spent decades working in Hindi cinema, television and theatre. While audiences will remember him for different roles, his comic performance in Welcome remains particularly popular among Bollywood fans.
Tributes from actors, filmmakers and colleagues following his death reflect the impact he had on people who worked with him during his long career. Mushtaq Khan’s performances will continue to remain part of the many Hindi films through which audiences came to know and remember him.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared from information reported by multiple publicly available sources. Details may be updated if further official information becomes available. Odisha Katha does not claim ownership of third-party photographs, videos or copyrighted material used for reference. Readers are advised to refer to official sources for any subsequent updates.
