Summary Mushtaq Khan had been battling cancer and was receiving treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai
(Web Desk) - Veteran Indian actor and comedian Mushtaq Khan, widely recognised for his memorable role in the Bollywood comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 75.
According to his son, Mohsin, Mushtaq Khan had been battling cancer and was receiving treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. He died on Thursday, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Khan began his acting career with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai? and went on to appear in more than 500 films during a career spanning several decades.
His filmography included popular productions such as Hera Pheri, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.
However, Khan gained renewed popularity years after the release of Welcome (2007), in which he portrayed Ballu, a loyal associate of Uday Shetty. His understated comic delivery made the character particularly memorable.
One of the film's most widely remembered scenes features Ballu explaining how he lost his leg after angering Uday. The dialogue later became popular among fans and was frequently circulated online, contributing to Khan's renewed internet popularity.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from fellow actors.
Actor Rajpal Yadav paid tribute to Khan on social media. Yadav said he had met the comedian only hours before his death and recalled shaking his hand and speaking with him.
Yadav expressed disbelief over Khan's sudden passing, remembering him as a popular actor and colleague and describing the loss as difficult to comprehend.
