Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan passes away at 56 after cancer battle

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, famous for his notable supporting parts in popular Hindi movies like Welcome, Gadar, and Stree 2, has died at the age of 56. His passing took place on Thursday evening. The actor was fighting cancer and had been admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai when his condition turned critical. Doctors placed him in the intensive care unit before he passed away. His business partner, Shivam, confirmed the tragic news, explaining that the actor had previously beaten lung cancer, but the disease returned eight days prior to his death, requiring hospital care at the final stage. Khan began his acting journey with the 1980 movie Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. During his long working years in films and television, he featured in many hits like Aashiqui, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. A major turning point in his early career came when veteran writer Salim Khan spotted him in a stage play and suggested his name to director Mahesh Bhatt, leading to a part in the 1988 film Kabzaa. Fans and film personalities posted tributes online to remember his work. KRK wrote a short message on social media to express grief. Viewers shared clips of his famous comedy scenes, especially his role as Ballu in Welcome, featuring the well-known dialogue about his fake leg and hockey playing days, along with his warm performance as Mishra Ji in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.