Mushtaq Khan, a veteran actor and popular supporting actor, passed away on 24 September 2026 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital after a reported cancer relapse. Industry representatives confirmed his death.
Mushtaq Khan was known in Bollywood for his supporting and comic roles. In more than 30 years, he worked in films like Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Hera Pheri, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Jodi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Welcome. The audience often remembered his face, even if his name was not immediately remembered every time.
Mushtaq Khan’s Early Life and Acting Career
The journey of every actor does not start in the spotlight. Mushtaq Khan’s story also started from a small town in MP, where his interest in acting started developing during his childhood.
Raised in Baihar, Balaghat district, Mushtaq began his acting journey with school performances and later became a part of theatre. Theatre gave him experience performing on stage, which later became the foundation for his film career.
In 1980, Mushtaq Khan made his screen debut in Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai? His association with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt was also an important phase in his early career. During this period, he worked in films like Kabzaa, Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Junoon, Sir and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.
The Role That Made Mushtaq Khan Memorable
Mushtaq Khan got a role in Anees Bazmee’s 2007 movie Welcome, where he played Uday Shetty’s henchman, Ballu. His fake leg and hockey-player dialogue were among the memorable comic moments of the film.
Later, Mushtaq reprised the role of Ballu in Welcome Back. Along with this, he appeared in movies across different genres, including Gadar 2, Stree 2 and his recent projects.
His last credited film appearance was Hum Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor Hai, released in 2026.
Mushtaq Khan’s 2024 Kidnapping Incident
He came into the headlines after he was kidnapped. In November 2024, he came to Uttar Pradesh for an event and was reportedly abducted after being invited to attend it. According to reports, he was taken from the Delhi airport to Bijnor and held captive for ransom.
Later, the actor managed to escape from there and reached a nearby mosque, from where he contacted his family members. According to police and reports at the time, he had been held captive at a guesthouse in Bijnor.
Mushtaq Khan’s Legacy
Mushtaq Khan’s journey is such an inspiring story of how a person comes from a small town and makes a career in the Bollywood industry. His journey began with theatre and television and reached Bollywood, where he made a career through supporting roles. His performances in films like Aashiqui, Hera Pheri, Gadar and Welcome entertained the audience and made his characters memorable.
Well, people may not always have remembered Mushtaq Khan’s name, but the roles he played were always remembered. His comic timing and natural performances made him one of those character actors of Hindi cinema whose performances, despite being in supporting roles, left a mark.
