The beloved character actor, famed for Hera Pheri and Gadar, died in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with liver cancer, survived by wife Salma and two sons.
Mushtaq Khan, the 56‑year‑old actor who became a familiar face in Bollywood comedies, died Thursday night in Mumbai after a prolonged fight with liver cancer. He was rushed to Nanavati Hospital on Wednesday when his condition worsened, and he slipped away in the intensive care unit the following evening.
And his wife, Salma Khan, stayed by his side through the final hours, according to close family sources. The couple, who have been married for decades, share two sons – Mohammed Arshad and Mohsin – both of whom have chosen film‑related careers.
Mushtaq’s journey began on the stage. He performed in local theatre groups before writer Salim Khan spotted him and recommended him to director Mahesh Bhatt. The actor recalled in an old interview that he once paid a neighbourhood grocer a rupee for each message his family received, as he didn’t even own a telephone at the time. Bhatt eventually called him for a role in the 1988 film Kabzaa, and the rest was history.
From there, Mushtaq carved a niche as a reliable supporting player. He turned up in Mahesh Bhatt’s Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak and Junoon, adding texture to each story. Audiences also remember his brief but memorable turn as Devi Prasad’s servant in Hera Pheri and as Gul Khan in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Though never a lead, his presence often lifted a scene, a talent that directors repeatedly tapped.
His son Mohsin has followed a behind‑the‑scenes path, directing the feature Delivery Boy and handling music videos and web content across Hindi and Marathi platforms. The younger Khan also spent time modelling before stepping into direction and production.
Industry colleagues have taken to social media to share memories. Actor Paresh Rawal wrote, “Mushtaq was a silent powerhouse. His timing was impeccable.” Director Rajkumar Hirani posted a still from Welcome with the caption, “A true professional who never asked for the spotlight.”
The loss has sparked an outpouring of grief across the film fraternity, with many recalling how Mushtaq could turn a few seconds of screen time into a lasting laugh. His death also revives conversations about the health challenges faced by senior artists, especially those battling chronic illnesses away from the limelight.
A private funeral is planned for the coming days, with details to be shared by the family. As Bollywood mourns, the hope is that Mushtaq’s body of work will continue to entertain new generations, reminding us of the quiet talent that kept many films ticking.
So, while the curtain has fallen on his earthly role, Mushtaq Khan’s legacy lives on in every frame he touched.
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