Veteran actor Raza Murad has expressed disappointment over the absence of major Bollywood stars at the funeral of actor Mushtaq Khan, who died on September 24 after battling cancer. Khan’s last rites were performed in Mumbai on September 25, with several colleagues from the film and television industry attending the farewell.
Raza Murad on Mushtaq Khan’s funeral: ‘No big name showed up’
In a video shared on Instagram on Saturday morning, Raza Murad mourned Mushtaq Khan’s death and questioned the absence of what he described as the industry’s bigger stars from the actor’s funeral. Murad said, “Afsoos baat yeh hai koi bhi star unhe apna aakhiri salaam pesh karne nahi aaya” (The sad part is that no star came to pay their last respects).He added, “koi bada chehra nahi aaya” (No big name showed up), while reflecting on Khan’s contribution to the Hindi film industry. Murad did not single out any particular actor, but said he found it disappointing that people could not spare even around 50 minutes to bid farewell to a fellow artiste.Murad also emphasised that Khan had built his career through his work rather than by seeking favour from influential people in the industry. “Na unhone kisi ki chamcha giri ki, voh bas apne kaam ke balboote pe yahan tak phouche hai,” he said, adding that Khan had earned his place through his talent and body of work.Towards the end of his message, Murad reflected on the fleeting nature of fame and wealth, stressing the importance of remaining humble despite success.
Mushtaq Khan’s funeral was attended by several industry colleagues
Mushtaq Khan was laid to rest in Mumbai on September 25. Reports from the funeral identified several colleagues and friends who attended, including Rajat Bedi, Manish Wadhwa, Sulabha Arya, Shahbaz Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Sharad Malhotra and comedian Ahsaan Qureshi. Other reports also named Sanjay Mishra, Anees Bazmee, Sunil Pal and others among those who paid their respects.Khan’s death had prompted tributes from several prominent members of the film fraternity, including Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra and Raza Murad.
What led to Mushtaq Khan’s death?
Mushtaq Khan died on September 24 after being hospitalised in Mumbai. His business partner Shivam told Hindustan Times that Khan had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered following treatment, but the disease reportedly returned shortly before his death and his condition deteriorated rapidly.His son Mohsin Khan also spoke about his father’s final days after the funeral, saying that the actor had been battling cancer and that his condition had become increasingly difficult. He recalled that his father’s final moments were peaceful and that he died with a smile.
Mushtaq Khan’s career and his memorable ‘Welcome’ role
Mushtaq Khan worked in Hindi cinema and television for more than three decades, building a reputation as a dependable character and supporting actor. His filmography included ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’, ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, ‘Rowdy Rathore’, ‘Gadar 2’, ‘Badhaai Do’ and ‘Stree 2’.Among his most widely remembered performances was Ballu in Anees Bazmee’s ‘Welcome’, where he featured alongside Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and Paresh Rawal. His comic sequence involving the dialogue “Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bohot bada khiladi tha…” remains one of the film’s memorable moments.
