Veteran Hindi film and television actor Mushtaq Khan, known for memorable supporting and comic roles in films such as Welcome, Hera Pheri, Aashiqui, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Jodi No. 1, has died at the age of 56. He passed away on September 24, 2026, at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital after battling cancer.
Khan’s death comes nearly two years after he survived a frightening kidnapping and ransom ordeal in Uttar Pradesh.
Who Was Mushtaq Khan?
Born on December 31, 1969, Mushtaq Khan built a career spanning films, television and theatre. His filmography includes more than 400 acting credits, while television audiences also knew him for shows such as Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, where he played Baldev Tripathi.
Among his best-known film appearances were:
- Aashiqui
- Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke
- Hera Pheri
- Gadar: Ek Prem Katha
- Jodi No. 1
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
- Welcome
- Gadar 2
- Stree 2
What Happened During His 2024 Kidnapping?
In November 2024, Khan was allegedly lured to Uttar Pradesh with a fake invitation to attend an awards event in Meerut. The organisers appeared convincing because they had sent him an advance payment and flight tickets.
After arriving in Delhi on November 20, 2024, Khan entered a vehicle arranged for him. According to his police complaint, he was subsequently transferred between vehicles and taken to a house, where the kidnappers allegedly confined and assaulted him and demanded money from his family.
The kidnappers reportedly obtained around ₹2 lakh through a transfer from his phone. Khan eventually escaped when some of his captors fell asleep after drinking. He ran to a nearby mosque, where a cleric helped him contact his family.
Police subsequently arrested suspects in connection with the case. In February 2026, four more accused were arrested in Bijnor in connection with the 2024 kidnapping and ransom cases involving Khan and comedian Sunil Pal.
His Final Years
Despite the trauma of the kidnapping, Khan continued working in the entertainment industry. His later credits included projects such as The Railway Men, Gadar 2 and Stree 2.
According to reports published on September 24, 2026, Khan had been undergoing treatment at Nanavati Hospital for approximately 15 days before his death. Reports say he had been battling cancer for some time.
Mushtaq Khan’s career was largely built around supporting roles, but his distinctive comic timing and familiar screen presence made him a recognisable face across several generations of Hindi cinema audiences. His death marks the end of a decades-long career that included film, television and stage work.
