Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his supporting roles in films such as Welcome, has died at the age of 56 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death has left several celebrities from the film industry mourning the loss of the actor.
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee remembered Mushtaq Khan with an emotional post on Instagram.
Sharing a picture of the late actor, he wrote, "Shocked and speechless by the passing of Mushtaq Bhai (my balu). A truly remarkable artist and a beautiful soul. May Allah bless his soul and give strength to his family and loved ones."
Actor Raza Murad also paid tribute to Mushtaq Khan through a video message, mourning his demise.
Sanjay Mishra, who worked with Mushtaq Khan in Welcome, also remembered the actor while speaking to ANI. "Suna tha ki tabiyat kharab rehti thi lekin chale jaenge aisa socha nahin tha...Bhaut hi saddening news hai," he said.
Mishra also spoke about the bond he shared with him and recalled a time when the late actor had become like a guardian figure in his life. "Meri life me ke time pe woh guardian ho gaye the....jab bhi mujhe zarurt padti thi main unse suggestion le leta tha...dukhad news hai... woh ek bhaut ache kalakaar the par unko itna credit nhi mila," Mishra said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to the actor on X. He wrote, "Thank you for making us laugh with your impeccable comic timing. Rest in Peace, Mushtaq Khan! My condolences to the entire family and all his fans."
Mushtaq Khan was born in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district. Over the years, he worked across films and television and became a familiar face to audiences. He was particularly remembered for his role as a disabled hockey player in Welcome (2007).
Some of his other popular movies include Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Aashiqui (1990), Hera Pheri (2000), Jodi No. 1 (2001), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Khiladi 786 (2012), Stree (2018), Badhaai Do (2022), Gadar 2 (2023), Stree 2 (2024), and Baby John (2024).
In November 2024, Mushtaq made headlines after he was reportedly kidnapped while travelling on the Delhi-Meerut highway. According to PTI, he had been invited to Meerut on the pretext of attending an award function but was allegedly taken to a remote location near Bijnor after arriving in Delhi. His business partner Shivam Yadav said at the time that the actor was held captive and tortured for several hours, with the kidnappers allegedly demanding a ransom of Rs 1 crore.
Mushtaq eventually managed to get away after hearing the morning Azaan. He then sought help from local residents.
The actor is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
