Anees Bazmee Mourns Mushtaq Khan, the Beloved 'Balu' of Welcome
Anees Bazmee paid an emotional tribute to Mushtaq Khan, the actor remembered as Balu in Welcome, while Sanjay Mishra recalled him as a guide who never got his due.
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has paid an emotional tribute to actor Mushtaq Khan, best known to audiences as the unforgettable 'Balu' from the 2007 comedy 'Welcome'.
Sharing a photograph of the late actor, Bazmee wrote that he was shocked and speechless by Khan's passing. He described Khan as a truly remarkable artist and a beautiful soul, and prayed for strength for the actor's family and loved ones.
Khan's death has drawn an outpouring of grief across social media, with fans revisiting his work and remembering his comic timing.
Actor Sanjay Mishra also mourned Khan, recalling the role he played in his own life. Speaking about the loss, the National Award-winning actor said there was a time when Khan became like a guardian to him, and that he would turn to him for advice whenever he needed guidance. Mishra called the news sad and said Khan was a very good artist who never received the credit he deserved.
Khan began his film career in 1980 with 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai', setting off a journey that lasted more than three decades. Over the years he appeared in a wide range of Hindi films, including 'Welcome', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'.
His comic act in 'Welcome', especially the famous line about having one artificial leg and being a great hockey player, remains one of the film's most cherished moments. His timing and effortless delivery made the character one that audiences have carried with them long after the credits rolled.