Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, best known for his supporting and comic roles in Hindi cinema, died on Thursday, September 24, at the age of 56. His death came after a recent deterioration in his health and a hospitalisation in Mumbai, leaving fans remembering an actor whose memorable face appeared across films, television and theatre for decades.



Mushtaq Khan dies at 56: What happened to the Welcome actor?


Mushtaq Khan died at around 7 pm on Thursday at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, according to his business partner Shivam, who confirmed the news to Hindustan Times. Khan had been admitted to the hospital for around 15 days.




Khan had earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered, but the disease had relapsed shortly before his death.




An AajTak report also said Khan's health had worsened and that he had been kept in the ICU. The report stated that his cancer had first been diagnosed around five years ago.




Actor-comedian Sunil Pal paid tribute to him on Instagram Stories, sharing a photograph and writing, "RIP Mushtaq Khan saab."



Who was Mushtaq Khan?


Khan was a familiar face in Hindi cinema, particularly in supporting and character roles. His film career began in the 1980s, with his screen debut reported as Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai.




He went on to work across comedy, drama and mainstream commercial cinema, appearing alongside several leading actors. His credits included Aashiqui (1990), Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991), Sadak (1991), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Krantiveer (1994), Raja (1995), Hera Pheri (2000), Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Welcome (2007), Wanted (2009), Oh My God! (2012) and Stree (2018).




He also played Gul Khan, or Gullu, in the Gadar franchise, appearing with Sunny Deol in both Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Gadar 2 (2023).



‘Meri ek taang nakli hai’: Mushtaq Khan’s memorable dialogue


For many viewers, however, Mushtaq Khan's most instantly recognisable role was Ballu in Anees Bazmee's Welcome (2007).




As Uday Shetty's (Nana Patekar) henchman, Khan delivered a deliberately straight-faced monologue explaining how his leg became artificial. The sequence became one of the film's most remembered comic moments, particularly because of the line: "Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bahut bada khiladi tha." The scene later became widely viral as it circulated on social media as a meme.




Khan also spoke about the economics of working in Welcome in an interview with Filmymantra Media. He recalled that supporting actors were paid a fixed amount based on the agreed shooting period, while staff members working on a per-day basis could potentially earn more when schedules extended.



Mushtaq Khan’s career in Bollywood, television and theatre


Cinema was only one part of Khan's career as he also appeared on television, including Bharat Ek Khoj, Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Adaalat and Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi. He featured in an episode of TVF Tripling as well.




In an interview published in August 2026, Khan recalled his early struggles and said Salim Khan's recommendation helped him secure a meeting with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. That meeting led to his role in Kabzaa (1988), after which he worked with Bhatt on films including Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Saathi, Sadak, Junoon, Gunaah, Sir and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.




His career also extended to doing acting work in theatre.



Mushtaq Khan’s last films and recent work


Khan remained active in films well into his later years. His recent credits included Gadar 2, Badhaai Do and Stree 2 (2024). He was also associated with projects including Vanvaas, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat, according to .




His passing therefore marks the end of a career that moved across generations of Hindi entertainment.