Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, whose long career across Hindi cinema made him a dependable and much-loved presence in character roles, died on Thursday after a battle with cancer, his son said. He was 75.
Khan, who appeared in more than 500 films over a career spanning five decades, was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in suburban Mumbai about a fortnight ago after complaining of stomach pain. According to his son Mohsin, doctors later discovered that he had cancer. His health deteriorated in the last few days before his death at around 7 p.m.
"He passed away due to cancer at Nanavati Hospital at around 7 p.m. He had complained of stomach pain, so we took him to the hospital, where doctors discovered that he has cancer. His health worsened in the last few days," Mohsin told PTI.
Mohsin also said his father had been working until shortly before his hospitalisation. "He was perfectly fine; he had no major issues. Rather, he was shooting for the debut film of Shera's (Salman Khan's bodyguard) son prior to his hospitalisation," he said.
Khan's death marks the loss of one of Hindi cinema's most familiar supporting actors, a performer whose face and timing were known to audiences across generations. While he was rarely cast in lead roles, he built a durable reputation through a wide range of character parts that added texture, humour and familiarity to mainstream films. His work helped anchor many ensemble productions, and his presence became part of the fabric of popular Hindi cinema.
Among the films that brought him wide recognition were "Aashiqui", "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin", "Saathi", "Sadak", "Junoon", "Gunaah", "Sir", "Gadar", "Welcome" and "Gadar 2". His filmography reflected the changing eras of Bollywood, stretching from the early 1990s through the 2000s and into recent years, with roles in both dramatic and commercial entertainers. The range of titles associated with him also underlined the breadth of his career, which moved comfortably between romance, action, drama and comedy.
In an industry where supporting actors often become the emotional or comic glue of a film, Khan stood out for his consistency. Over time, he became one of those performers audiences recognised immediately, even when his name was not always the first to appear on a poster. That kind of longevity is rare in cinema, and his five-decade run testified to both his adaptability and his appeal to filmmakers across generations.
He is survived by his wife, son and daughter. His funeral is scheduled to be held on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Khan's death will be felt not only by his family and colleagues but also by audiences who grew up seeing him in some of Hindi cinema's most popular films. As tributes are expected from across the film industry, his passing closes a long chapter in character acting — one defined by steady craft, screen familiarity and an enduring place in the memory of moviegoers.