The Hindi film industry bid a tearful farewell to veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who was laid to rest in Mumbai on Friday. The seasoned performer, known for his memorable roles in films like Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, passed away on Thursday following a battle with cancer. His funeral saw an outpouring of support from the film fraternity, with actors Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, Manish Wadhwa, Shehzad Khan, Zaid Darbar, comedian Sunil Pal, and filmmaker Anees Bazmee arriving to pay their final respects.
Opening up about his father’s final moments, Mushtaq Khan’s son, Mohsin Khan, shared that the actor had been undergoing treatment at Nanavati Hospital after his condition progressed rapidly. Despite the severity of the illness, Mohsin revealed that his father remained remarkably peaceful. “He wasn’t distressed at all, because his end came with a smile,” Mohsin shared, adding that his father felt immense pride in his career and his love for India during their final conversation. He urged fans to celebrate the actor’s life and legacy rather than dwelling solely on the sorrow of his passing.
Mushtaq Khan’s career, which spanned over three decades, began with the 1980 film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. He remained a beloved figure for his effortless comic timing, most notably in his iconic role in Welcome, where his delivery of the “Meri ek taang nakli hai” dialogue became a pop culture classic. Mohsin noted that fans can continue to enjoy his father’s work, as he had recently completed several upcoming projects, including a film featuring Shera’s son, along with various TV serials and web series that are still slated for release.
Reflecting on the support received during this difficult time, Mohsin expressed deep gratitude toward his father’s colleagues. He shared that Rajpal Yadav visited the hospital just a day before the actor’s demise, and Anupam Kher reached out with words of warmth and motivation. Mushtaq Khan’s legacy continues through his extensive body of work, which remains a source of inspiration for new talent and a treasure for the audiences who supported him throughout his journey.