Mumbai: Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting and comic roles in films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 and Stree 2, has died at the age of 56.

The actor passed away on Thursday evening while undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital. His business partner Shivam confirmed the news to HT City, saying that Mushtaq died around 7 pm.

Mushtaq Khan was battling lung cancer

According to his business partner, Mushtaq Khan had earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered after treatment. However, the cancer reportedly relapsed about eight days before his death.

He was subsequently admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai in critical condition and was being treated in the intensive care unit.

“He passed away around 7pm on Thursday. He had been detected with lung cancer earlier and had got well. However, it relapsed eight days back and had to be admitted to the hospital. It was last stage cancer,” Shivam told HT City.

Fans remember his memorable characters

News of Mushtaq Khan’s death prompted tributes from fans and members of the entertainment community on social media.

His performances in supporting roles, particularly his comic timing and distinctive dialogue delivery, earned him a loyal audience over the years.

One of his best-known characters was Ballu in Welcome. Fans remembered his famous dialogue about having a prosthetic leg and being a hockey player, which became one of the film’s memorable comic moments.

Actor and commentator KRK also remembered Mushtaq Khan following news of his death.

Fans shared clips from the actor’s earlier performances and recalled his contribution to Hindi cinema, with several describing his comic timing and supporting performances as memorable.

A career spanning more than three decades

Mushtaq Khan made his screen debut with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he appeared in numerous Hindi films and television productions.

Among his notable film credits are Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 and Stree 2.

The actor frequently appeared in supporting roles and was recognised for his versatility across comedy, drama and character-driven parts.

His ability to leave an impression even in smaller roles made him a familiar face to generations of Hindi film audiences.

Mushtaq Khan’s death at 56 marks the loss of a veteran character actor whose work spanned several decades of Hindi cinema and television.