The sudden death of veteran actor Mushtaq Khan has left several members of the Hindi film industry deeply saddened. Among those remembering the actor is Rajpal Yadav, who shared an emotional tribute after meeting him in hospital just hours before his passing.
Mushtaq Khan, known for his work in films including Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Aashiqui and Stree 2, died on September 24, 2026, after battling cancer. He was reportedly undergoing treatment at Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital when his health deteriorated.
For Rajpal Yadav, the loss was particularly difficult because he had seen Mushtaq Khan only hours before his death.
‘I Still Cannot Believe It’
Sharing a photograph of the late actor on social media, Rajpal Yadav recalled his final meeting with Mushtaq Khan.
The actor said that he visited Mushtaq Khan in the afternoon and spoke with him. According to Rajpal, Mushtaq saw him, shook his hand and continued listening to the conversations taking place around him.
Rajpal said he was unable to believe that the person he had met and shaken hands with only two hours earlier was no longer alive.
His tribute reflected the shock of losing someone so soon after sharing what appeared to be a normal interaction.
Mushtaq Khan Was Responding During The Meeting
Rajpal Yadav also described Mushtaq Khan's condition during their last meeting.
According to his account, the actor was listening to everything being said and reacting to the conversations. Rajpal's recollection has offered a deeply personal glimpse into Mushtaq's final hours.
The meeting took place at the hospital where Mushtaq was receiving treatment. Rajpal later expressed his disbelief and paid tribute to his colleague, describing him as someone who would always remain a popular and beloved actor.
Mushtaq Khan Dies At 56
Mushtaq Khan passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 56, according to reports. His business partner Shivam confirmed the death and said that the actor had been admitted to Nanavati Hospital after his cancer relapsed.
Reports stated that Mushtaq had first been diagnosed with lung cancer several years earlier and had initially recovered following treatment. However, the disease reportedly returned shortly before his death, leading to a rapid deterioration in his health.
He had been hospitalised for around 15 days before passing away at approximately 7 pm on September 24.
The Actor Behind Welcome’s Iconic Moment
Mushtaq Khan remained a familiar face for Bollywood audiences throughout his long career. One of his most remembered appearances came in Anees Bazmee's 2007 comedy Welcome.
In the film, Khan played a member of the gang led by Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai, played by Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor. Although his role was relatively small, a sequence featuring his character became one of the film's memorable comic moments.
Anees Bazmee recently recalled that Mushtaq initially did not have any major dialogue in the film. The director later developed a separate sequence for him, which eventually resulted in the character's famous hockey-related line.
Anees Bazmee Also Pays Tribute
Anees Bazmee, who directed Welcome, was among the filmmakers who expressed shock over Mushtaq Khan's death.
Bazmee remembered him as both a talented artist and a good human being. He also recalled the affection Mushtaq had for him and the contribution the actor made to Welcome despite initially having a relatively small part.
The director's recollection highlighted how a supporting role can sometimes become memorable because of an actor's timing, personality and ability to make a scene stand out.
Sunny Deol Remembers Mushtaq Khan
Sunny Deol also paid tribute to Mushtaq Khan following his death.
The actor remembered him as a fine actor and a good human being and said he had fond memories of their time together. Deol also expressed condolences to Mushtaq's family and wished them strength during the difficult period.
Mushtaq had appeared alongside Sunny Deol in films including Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, adding another connection between the two actors.
Sanjay Mishra Calls His Death Saddening
Actor Sanjay Mishra, who worked with Mushtaq Khan in Welcome, also reacted to his passing.
Mishra said he had heard that Mushtaq's health was not good but did not expect him to pass away. He described the news as deeply saddening.
Mishra also recalled a more personal connection, saying that Mushtaq had at one point acted as a guardian figure in his life and that he would seek his advice when he needed guidance.
A Career Spanning More Than Three Decades
Mushtaq Khan's acting career stretched across several decades. He made his screen debut with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai in 1980 and subsequently appeared in numerous Hindi films.
His filmography included Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Aashiqui, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Welcome, among many other projects. He became particularly recognisable for supporting and character roles, often appearing alongside some of Hindi cinema's biggest stars.
While he may not always have been the central face of a film, his performances helped establish him as a dependable character actor over the years.
Rajpal Yadav’s Emotional Goodbye
For Rajpal Yadav, Mushtaq Khan's death carries the added weight of having met him only hours earlier.
The actor's tribute focused on the disbelief of losing someone immediately after seeing them in person. His description of their handshake and conversation has become one of the most emotional reactions to Mushtaq's passing.
Rajpal also reflected on Mushtaq's lasting place in the film industry, saying that he would continue to be remembered as a popular actor and beloved person.
Bollywood Mourns A Familiar Face
Mushtaq Khan's death has prompted tributes from several colleagues, including Rajpal Yadav, Sunny Deol, Anees Bazmee and Sanjay Mishra.
For audiences, he will remain associated with a wide range of supporting performances, particularly his memorable appearance in Welcome. For his colleagues, however, the tributes have focused just as much on the person behind the screen.
Rajpal Yadav's final meeting with Mushtaq Khan has made the news especially poignant. Meeting his friend at the hospital, speaking with him and shaking his hand just two hours before his death is a memory Rajpal says he is still struggling to process.
Mushtaq Khan's contribution to Hindi cinema may have often come through supporting roles, but the tributes following his death underline the lasting impression he made on those who worked with him.
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