Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, remembered for his memorable supporting and comic performances in films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Hera Pheri and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, died on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at a Mumbai hospital. He was 56.

Khan had been undergoing treatment after his health deteriorated in recent days. He was admitted to Nanavati Hospital after complaining of stomach pain, following which doctors detected cancer. His condition reportedly worsened during his hospitalisation, and he passed away at around 7 pm.

His death marks the end of a career that stretched across more than four decades, during which he worked in Hindi cinema, television and theatre. Though rarely the central star of a film, Khan developed a distinctive screen presence that made him instantly recognisable to audiences.

Mushtaq Khan dies after cancer battle

According to his son Mohsin, Khan had been taken to Nanavati Hospital after experiencing stomach pain. Doctors subsequently discovered that he was suffering from cancer. His health deteriorated rapidly in the final days.

His family said that the actor had been active professionally until shortly before his hospitalisation. He was reportedly shooting for the debut film of the son of Salman Khan’s longtime bodyguard Shera before his health worsened.

Khan’s sudden deterioration has added to the shock surrounding his death. Those close to him recalled that he had not been facing major health problems immediately before the hospitalisation.

His funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday at Yari Road Kabristan in Mumbai. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

From theatre to Bollywood: A career spanning decades

Born in Baihar in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district, Mushtaq Khan developed an interest in acting and theatre before making his way into the Hindi film industry.

He made his screen debut with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. From there, he gradually built a career defined by supporting roles, character parts and comic performances.

Unlike actors who become associated with one particular genre, Khan moved comfortably between comedy, drama and character-driven roles. His filmography included several major Hindi productions of the 1990s and 2000s, including Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Raja, Hera Pheri, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Jodi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome, Wanted and Oh My God!.

He remained active even as Bollywood went through multiple generations of stars and changing filmmaking styles. His later credits included Stree, Badhaai Do, Gadar 2, Stree 2, Baby John, Jaat and other recent projects. He also appeared on television, including shows such as Wagle Ki Duniya, Chacha Chaudhary, Adaalat and Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi.

His extensive body of work reflected the often-underappreciated contribution of character actors who help give films their texture, humour and personality.

Why Mushtaq Khan’s ‘Welcome’ role remains unforgettable

For many viewers, however, Mushtaq Khan will forever be associated with Welcome.

Released in 2007, the comedy featured a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor. Yet Khan managed to leave a strong impression despite having a supporting role.

He played Ballu, a character associated with Uday Shetty’s gang, and delivered a comic sequence involving his supposedly artificial leg. His dialogue about having a fake leg and being a hockey player became one of the film’s most recognisable comic moments.

The performance demonstrated Khan’s ability to extract considerable impact from limited screen time. His comic timing, expressive delivery and distinctive mannerisms helped make the character memorable long after the film ended.

That ability became one of the defining features of his career. Khan did not always occupy the centre of the frame, but he frequently made his appearances count.

From ‘Gadar’ to ‘Stree 2’: Khan kept working across generations

Another important part of Mushtaq Khan’s film legacy was his association with the Gadar franchise.

He appeared as Gul Khan in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and returned to the franchise more than two decades later in Gadar 2. His work also extended to newer generations of Hindi cinema through films such as Stree 2 and Badhaai Do.

His presence in both older blockbusters and contemporary films illustrated the longevity of his career. He continued taking on roles even as the industry around him changed dramatically.

His television work similarly broadened his reach. For audiences who may not have immediately recognised his name, his face and performances were often familiar from years of watching Hindi films and television.

Mushtaq Khan’s 2024 kidnapping ordeal

Two years before his death, Khan found himself in the headlines for a deeply disturbing reason unrelated to cinema.

In November 2024, he was allegedly kidnapped after being invited to attend an event in Meerut. He was reportedly offered an advance payment and provided with flight tickets before travelling to Delhi.

After arriving, he was allegedly asked to enter a vehicle that was supposed to take him to the event. Instead, according to accounts shared at the time, he was taken towards an isolated location near Bijnor.

The actor was reportedly held captive for around 12 hours and subjected to physical torture. The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore.

According to accounts from his business partner and subsequent reports, the attackers ultimately managed to take more than ₹2 lakh from Khan and his son’s bank accounts.

The most striking part of Khan’s escape came in the early hours of the morning. While being held captive, he reportedly heard the sound of the morning azaan and realised that a mosque was likely nearby.

He managed to escape from the location, sought help from local residents and eventually returned home with police assistance.

The actor initially did not immediately file a formal complaint. Later, after comedian Sunil Pal reported a similar alleged kidnapping, Khan came forward with evidence connected to his own ordeal, including details that investigators could examine.

Investigators subsequently identified similarities between the two cases. Police linked the incidents to accused individuals and arrested several people in connection with the alleged kidnapping network.

The episode became one of the most unsettling chapters of Khan’s life, contrasting sharply with the comic characters through which millions of viewers knew him.

A familiar face who rarely needed the spotlight

Mushtaq Khan’s career was built on a different kind of stardom.

He was not typically the actor whose name dominated a film’s promotional campaign. Instead, he was the familiar supporting performer who could appear for a few minutes and leave audiences remembering the scene.

That quality was particularly valuable in ensemble comedies and character-driven films. His performances added humour and personality without requiring the story to revolve around him.

His journey from theatre and early struggles in Mumbai to becoming a recognisable face in hundreds of film and television appearances also reflected the persistence required to build a lasting career in the Hindi entertainment industry.

Filmmaker and longtime friend Ashoke Pandit recalled their early years together in theatre and television, describing Khan as someone who had grown alongside him through difficult times. He also remembered Khan’s stage abilities and dedication to acting.

Mushtaq Khan’s legacy

Mushtaq Khan’s death closes the chapter on a career that crossed generations.

For some viewers, he will be Ballu from Welcome. For others, he will be Gul Khan from Gadar, a familiar face from Hera Pheri, or one of the many character actors who made Hindi films feel more lived-in and believable.

His career also serves as a reminder that the history of Bollywood is not written only by its leading stars. Supporting actors, comic performers and character artists often become part of the collective memory of audiences through a handful of unforgettable scenes.

Mushtaq Khan was one such performer.

From his early theatre days to his final years on film sets, he continued working across changing eras of Hindi entertainment. Even after his death, his performances in films watched and rewatched by generations of audiences will continue to keep his screen presence alive.

For a performer who spent much of his career making others’ stories richer, Khan leaves behind a body of work that ensures his own story will not be forgotten.

With input from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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