Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan dies of cancer

Well-known Bollywood actor of comedy and drama genres Mushtaq Khan is no more. He passed away at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on September 24 after a long battle with liver cancer. He was 56 years old at the time of his death.

Mushtaq Khan was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital after his physical condition deteriorated seriously. Despite the doctors' best efforts, he died on Thursday evening.

The story of Mushtaq Khan's entry into acting is also quite fascinating. While working in theatre, screenwriter Salim Khan discovered him and recommended him to director Mahesh Bhatt.

At that time, Mushtaq did not have a phone of his own. When a call came in his name at a neighbourhood grocery shop, he had to pay the shopkeeper one taka for each message. At one point, a call came to him from Mahesh Bhatt's office. He made his Bollywood debut in 1988 with the film 'Kabzaa'.

Mushtaq then gained recognition by acting in Mahesh Bhatt's films such as 'Aashiqui', 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin', 'Sadak', 'Gumrah' and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'. He was able to catch the attention of the audience even with small roles.

He gained widespread popularity by playing the hockey player 'Ballu' in Anees Bazmee's 2007 film 'Welcome'. His comedy scene with an artificial leg later spread widely on social media.

Additionally, he acted in 'Hera Pheri' as Devi Prasad's servant, in 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' and 'Gadar 2' as Gul Khan, and in various films including 'Wanted', 'Bala' and 'Stree 2'. Mushtaq also acted in the popular television series 'Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi'.

The actor continued acting despite his illness. In 2026, he was seen in various projects such as 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain', 'Drop Out' and 'Cocaine'.

Just weeks before his death, in an interview with News18, Mushtaq had spoken about the struggles of the early days of his acting career. He also recounted the memory of how a single phone call from Mahesh Bhatt changed the course of his life.

Mourning has descended on Bollywood's entertainment scene over his death.