Mushtaq Khan No More: When Amitabh Bachchan Helped ‘Welcome’ Actor Buy His First House in Mumbai
Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan has passed away at 56 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a four-decade legacy of over 100 films including Welcome and Gadar. Early in his career, he secured his first home in Mumbai thanks to a personal recommendation letter written by Amitabh Bachchan to politician Sharad Pawar.
Veteran Hindi film and television actor Mushtaq Khan, widely recognised for his versatile comedic and supporting roles across four decades of Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 56 on September 24, 2026. The actor breathed his last at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai following a relapse of cancer. His passing was confirmed by his business partner and industry representatives, sparking a wave of tributes from fans and colleagues who remembered his contributions to iconic films like Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, and Aashiqui. Mushtaq Khan Passes Away: 'Welcome' Actor Dies at 56 After Battling Cancer.
How Amitabh Bachchan Helped Mushtaq Khan Buy His First House in Mumbai
Among the fond anecdotes surrounding Mushtaq Khan's early career, one notable incident highlights the crucial role played by megastar Amitabh Bachchan in helping him secure his first home in Mumbai. During an interview, Khan recalled his early days of struggling to find affordable housing in the city while working alongside Bachchan on a film set.
At the time, Bachchan was serving as a Member of Parliament representing the Congress party. Upon learning of Khan's living situation, Bachchan offered to assist him through the state government's Chief Minister quota, which reserved a 10 per cent housing allocation for artists. Bachchan provided Khan with a personally signed recommendation letter addressed to senior politician Sharad Pawar.
This single letter allowed Khan to purchase a property in Mumbai for INR 2 lakh, a fraction of its market value at the time, establishing his roots in the city.
Mushtaq Khan Shares the Story Behind His First House in Mumbai
Mushtaq Khan's Prolific Career Spanning Film and Television
Mushtaq Khan made his acting debut in 1980 with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai. Over the course of his career, he appeared in over 100 films and numerous television productions. His notable filmography includes performances in major hits such as Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, and its 2023 sequel Gadar 2.
One of his most enduring pop-culture moments came from the 2007 comedy Welcome, where his delivery of the famous dialogue, "Meri ek taang nakli hai...", became a permanent fixture in modern pop culture and online memes. Khan also made significant contributions to Indian television, featuring in popular shows like Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, Adaalat, and Zabaan Sambhal Ke. In recent years, he remained active with roles in critical and commercial successes, including Stree 2 (2024). Remembering Mushtaq Khan: 5 Most Memorable Performances of ‘Welcome’ Actor.
Tributes for Mushtaq Khan
News of Khan's passing drew widespread condolences from across the Indian entertainment industry. Colleagues and fans remembered him as a dependable character actor capable of adding humour and depth to every scene he joined. Mushtaq Khan leaves behind a legacy defined by decades of work, memorable characters, and a distinct screen presence that endeared him to generations of viewers.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 02:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).