SRINAGAR: Veteran actor and comedian Mushtaq Kha has died at the age of 75 after battling cancer, with media reports saying he passed away at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Media reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for around 15 days after his condition became critical. He was reportedly admitted to the intensive care unit and died on Thursday evening.
Khan was a familiar face in Hindi cinema, known for comic and supporting roles across films, television and theatre. His notable film appearances includedHum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Jodi No. 1 (2001) and Welcome (2007). He also appeared in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.
He was particularly remembered for his role as a disabled hockey player in Welcome, which starred Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor.
Khan had worked in the Hindi entertainment industry for more than three decades, appearing in a range of supporting and comic roles in films and television.
His death comes nearly two years after he was allegedly kidnapped in November 2024, an incident that was widely reported at the time.
According to media reports, Khan had been invited to an event in Meerut and was offered an advance payment and flight tickets. After reaching Delhi airport on November 20, 2024, he was allegedly taken towards Bijnor and held captive.
Media reports said the alleged kidnappers demanded a Rs 1 crore ransom and also allegedly took money from Khan’s and his son’s bank accounts.
Khan reportedly escaped after hearing the morning azaan while his captors were asleep. He is said to have taken shelter at a nearby mosque before contacting people for help and returning home.
The case later drew attention alongside an alleged kidnapping involving comedian Sunil Pal. Media reports said police found similarities in the alleged modus operandi, including the use of entertainment-event invitations to lure the two men to western Uttar Pradesh.
Bijnor Police later said, according to media reports, that Khan and Pal had been kept at the same guesthouse during their respective periods of captivity.
