# Actor Mushtaq Khan dies at 56, tributes pour in from film industry 2026-09-24T19:21:58+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, best known for his comic role as Balu in the 2007 hit 'Welcome', died on September 24 at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. He was 56. Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who directed 'Welcome', posted on Instagram: 'Shocked and speechless by the passing of Mushtaq Bhai (my balu). A truly remarkable artist and a beautiful soul.' Actor Sanjay Mishra told ANI: 'There was a time in my life when he became like a guardian to me... He was a great artist but he did not get the credit he deserved.' Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute on X, thanking Khan for his comic timing. Khan debuted in 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai' (1980) and appeared in films including 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'. His funeral is scheduled for Friday. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter. ## Indian Opinion Analysis All three sources report the same facts: Mushtaq Khan's death from lung cancer, his age (56), tributes from Anees Bazmee, Sanjay Mishra and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his funeral on Friday. The coverage is uniform straight reporting with no discernible slant. The NDTV story additionally includes tributes from actors Raza Murad and Sunil Pal, and notes the political tribute from the Assam CM, but does not frame it differently. Readers can trust the core details, the extra names in NDTV add colour without altering the story. The funeral attendance and any further statements from the family are the next point to watch. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) Straight tribute roundup focused on Bazmee and Mishra quotes - hindustantimes.com (neutral report) Straight tribute roundup with additional detail on Dubai anecdote - ndtv.com (neutral report) Straight tribute roundup including political figure and more actors Tags: Anees Bazmee, Mushtaq Khan, Sanjay Mishra, Welcome Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/filmmakers-co-stars-mourn-actor-mushtaq-khans-death/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/filmmakers-co-stars-mourn-actor-mushtaq-khans-death/#story-in-brief