Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting and comic roles, passed away at the age of 56 in Mumbai on Thursday, September 24. The actor breathed his last at Nanavati Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment after his health deteriorated. His business partner confirmed that Khan had been battling lung cancer, which had relapsed recently. His death marks the loss of a familiar face who entertained audiences across more than four decades.
Mushtaq Khan’s Ballu in ‘Welcome’ remains one of his most iconic roles
Among Mushtaq Khan’s most remembered films is ‘Welcome’ (2007), in which he played Ballu, a member of Uday Shetty‘s gang. Despite sharing the screen with stars such as Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor, Khan stood out with his comic timing. His monologue beginning with, “Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bahot bada khiladi tha,” became one of the film’s most iconic comic moments.Mushtaq Khan was also an important part of the ‘Gadar’ franchise. He played Gul Khan in ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ (2001) and reprised the role in ‘Gadar 2’ (2023), which brought the much-loved characters back more than two decades later.In ‘Aashiqui’ (1990), Mushtaq Khan played Rafoo Master, a supporting character who adds to the film’s emotional world. His performance, though brief, became memorable among fans of the Mahesh Bhatt-directed romantic musical starring Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal.
From ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai’ to ‘Hera Pheri’: Mushtaq Khan’s memorable filmography
Mushtaq Khan’s filmography extended well beyond these two franchises. He made his screen debut with ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai’ in 1980 and subsequently appeared in several successful and popular Hindi films. His notable credits include ‘Aashiqui’ (1990), ‘Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin’ (1991), ‘Sadak’ (1991), ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’ (1993), ‘Krantiveer’ (1994), ‘Raja’ (1995), ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’ (1998), ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000), ‘Jodi No. 1′ (2001), ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ (2004), ‘Wanted’ (2009), ‘Oh My God!’ (2012), ‘Rowdy Rathore’ (2012), ‘Khiladi 786’ (2012), ‘Welcome Back’ (2015), ‘Stree’ (2018), ‘Badhaai Do’ (2022) and ‘Stree 2’ (2024).
Mushtaq Khan’s later work and final screen appearances
Even in supporting roles, Mushtaq Khan often managed to leave a lasting impression. His ability to shift between comedy, drama and character-driven parts made him a recognisable presence in Hindi cinema. His later work included films such as ‘Vanvaas’, ‘Baby John’, ‘Dhoom Dhaam’ and ‘Jaat’.According to available filmography records, his final screen appearances came in projects released in 2026, including ‘Hum Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor Hai’ and ‘Cocaine’.
