Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan has passed away at the age of 56, with fans and the Indian film industry mourning the loss of the familiar character actor. Following his death, Pakistani actor Yasir Hussain paid tribute to him by recalling his iconic dialogue from the hit comedy Welcome.
Yasir shared an Instagram Story featuring a tribute to the late actor and wrote, “RIP Mushtaq Khan. Meri aik tang nakli hai, mai hockey ka player hun.” The line refers to Mushtaq Khan’s memorable character and remains one of the scenes audiences remember from Welcome.
Mushtaq Khan, known for his supporting and comic roles in Hindi cinema, died in Mumbai on Thursday, September 24. His death was confirmed by industry representatives and his business partner. He had been receiving treatment after his health worsened following a cancer relapse.
The actor had been admitted to Nanavati Hospital for around 15 days. According to his business partner, Khan was first diagnosed with cancer around five years ago and had recovered before the disease returned. Reports have differed on the type of cancer.
Khan remained closely associated with his memorable role in Welcome. Released in 2007, the film featured him as Ballu, with his famous dialogue about having an artificial leg and being a hockey player becoming one of the film’s most remembered comic moments.
Yasir Hussain recalled the same dialogue in his tribute to the late actor, highlighting one of the roles that made Khan a familiar face among Hindi film audiences.
Khan began his acting career with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai in 1980 and appeared in several popular films, including Aashiqui, Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 and Stree 2.
He also worked in television, appearing in shows such as Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and Adaalat. His connection with the Gadar franchise continued with his return as Gul Khan in Gadar 2, nearly two decades after the original.
His death has prompted tributes from several people in the entertainment industry, with fellow artists remembering the veteran performer and his contribution to Hindi cinema.