The industry mourns Mushtaq Khan, whose age is reported as either 56 or 75, after a lung cancer relapse; his last appearances were in Stree 2 and Gadar 2.
Mushtaq Khan breathed his last on Thursday night at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital. Reports differ on his exact age – some outlets list him as 56, while others claim he was 75 – but all agree the veteran character actor succumbed to a relapse of lung cancer that had resurfaced just days before his death.
The actor was admitted to the hospital about two weeks ago after complaining of stomach pain. His son, Mohsin Khan, told PTI that doctors discovered the malignancy during the examination and that his father’s condition deteriorated rapidly in the final days. “He passed away due to cancer at Nanavati Hospital at around 7 p.m.,” the son said.
Khan’s final screen work included a cameo in the sequel Stree 2 and a supporting role in Gadar 2, both of which earned him a fresh wave of appreciation from fans who remembered his impeccable timing and warm screen presence.
A career that stretched over five decades saw him appear in more than five‑hundred movies, ranging from the romantic drama Aashiqui to the slapstick hit Welcome and the patriotic saga Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. He also made a mark on television, winning a Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Sony TV’s Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi.
In a candid interview years ago, Khan revealed he was paid a modest Rs 35 for his debut film Trapti, which starred legends Sanjeev Kumar, Shashi Kapoor and Smita Patil. He later recounted how Amitabh Bachchan’s handwritten note helped him secure a flat at a fraction of its market price, a story that highlighted the camaraderie that can exist behind the glitter.
Khan didn’t shy away from pointing out the financial gap between star‑driven projects and the modest earnings of character actors. “Bhaiya jo Akshay Kumar ka staff hai naa usse bhi kam mila hoga. This is life,” he joked, underscoring the economic realities many supporting artists face.
His later years were not without drama off‑screen. A kidnapping episode in Uttar Pradesh, where he was lured with an event invitation and held for several hours, added a harrowing chapter to his life story. He later said the experience made him value the respect he received on sets like Stree 2, where he felt genuinely included.
Funeral rites are scheduled for Friday, with family, friends and industry colleagues expected to pay their respects. Khan leaves behind his wife, a son and a daughter, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
The loss of Mushtaq Khan is a reminder of the countless unsung faces that flesh out Bollywood’s larger-than-life narratives. While leading stars dominate headlines, it is actors like Khan who provide the texture and humor that make films resonate with everyday audiences.
As the industry pauses to honor his memory, the question remains how the ecosystem can better support its character actors, ensuring that the next generation does not face the same financial and health challenges that marked Khan’s long, hard‑won journey.
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