Sunny Deol to Rajpal Yadav, Bollywood pays tribute to Welcome actor Mushtaq Khan

Actor Mushtaq Khan has died at 67 after battling liver cancer, prompting tributes from across the film industry and public life. Actors Sunny Deol, Rajpal Yadav, filmmaker Anees Bazmee, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, comedian Sunil Pal and actor Sanjay Mishra were among those who remembered him after his death on September 25.

Khan, known for his supporting roles in films such as Welcome, Aashiqui, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, had been undergoing treatment at Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital. His business partner Shivam confirmed the death to India Today. Khan had been hospitalised for around 15 days and, according to Shivam, he was first diagnosed with cancer nearly five years ago before the illness recently relapsed.

Sunny Deol paid tribute to Khan in an Instagram post, remembering him both as an actor and as a person. Deol wrote, "Sad to hear about Mushtaq Khan. He was a nice human being and a fine actor. Have fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. May they find strength in this difficult hour."

Rajpal Yadav also shared an emotional message on Instagram and recalled meeting Khan earlier in the day. He wrote, "I went to meet Mushtaq Bhai this afternoon; we spoke, he looked at me, and even shook my hand-he was listening to everything we said and reacting to it as well. I still cannot believe that the person I met and shook hands with just two hours ago is no longer among us. We all bow in submission to the Almighty's will. Mushtaq Bhai was, is, and will always remain a beloved figure and actor. I offer my heartfelt tribute to you with a heavy heart."

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee also remembered Khan on Instagram. Sharing a picture of the actor, Bazmee wrote, "Shocked and speechless by the passing of Mushtaq Bhai (my balu). A truly remarkable artist and a beautiful soul. May Allah bless his soul and give strength to his family and loved ones."

Sanjay Mishra, who worked with Khan in Welcome, also spoke about his former co-star in a conversation with ANI. He said, "I had heard that his health was poor, but I never imagined he would pass away. This is truly saddening news."

Mishra also spoke about the bond they shared and recalled that Khan had become a guardian figure for him at one point in his life. He said, "At one point in my life, he became a guardian figure to me; whenever I needed guidance, I would turn to him for advice. It is tragic news. He was a truly fine artist, yet he never received the credit he deserved."

Comedian Sunil Pal also remembered the late actor through his Instagram Stories.

Mushtaq Khan worked in several Hindi films during a career spanning nearly three decades. He was known for roles in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke (1993), Jodi No. 1 (2001) and Welcome (2007), and gained wider recognition for playing a disabled hockey player in Welcome.

Born in Baihar town in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, Khan came from a Muslim family and went on to become a familiar face in Hindi cinema, especially through supporting roles.

In November 2024, Khan made headlines after he was abducted and held for ransom after being lured to Uttar Pradesh on the pretext of attending an event. According to reports, he was abducted on November 20 and taken from Delhi to Bijnor, where he was held captive and allegedly forced to pay a ransom of Rs 2.20 lakh. He managed to escape a day later.

His funeral will take place today.- EndsALSO READ | 'Welcome' actor called for award show in UP, kidnapped, then tortured for 12 hours