Veteran Indian actor and comedian Mushtaq Khan, best known for his enduring comic turn in the Bollywood hit Welcome, has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed. The actor had been battling cancer and was receiving treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, where he passed away on Thursday.
A Career Spanning More Than 500 Films
Khan launched his acting career with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai? and went on to appear in more than 500 productions over several decades, building a reputation as one of Hindi cinema’s most dependable character actors.
His wide-ranging filmography included popular titles such as:
- Hera Pheri
- Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke
- Gadar: Ek Prem Katha
- Welcome (2007)
Renewed Fame Through ‘Welcome’
Although Khan had been a familiar face on screen for years, he gained a new generation of fans long after the release of Welcome, in which he played Ballu, a loyal associate of the gangster Uday Shetty. His understated comic delivery made the character stand out.
One of the film’s most widely remembered scenes features Ballu recounting how he lost his leg after angering Uday. The dialogue became a favourite among fans and was frequently shared online, helping to fuel Khan’s renewed internet popularity in later years.
Tributes Pour In From Fellow Actors
News of Khan’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues in the film industry. Actor Rajpal Yadav, who paid his respects on social media, said he had met the comedian only hours before his death and recalled shaking his hand and speaking with him.
Yadav expressed disbelief at the sudden passing, remembering Khan as a popular actor and colleague and describing the loss as difficult to comprehend.
