Film fraternity remembers Mushtaq Khan as a friend to all

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who died at a Mumbai hospital after a period of treatment, was remembered by colleagues as a respected and down-to-earth artiste whose career in Hindi cinema stretched across more than five decades.

Khan was admitted to Nanavati Hospital after health complications and was undergoing treatment when doctors diagnosed him with cancer. His condition worsened during the course of treatment and he passed away on Thursday.

Actor Gajendra Chauhan said Khan was a figure whom everyone in the industry treated as a friend, and recalled that colleagues rarely addressed him by his first name alone. The respect he commanded, Chauhan said, was earned rather than given.

Tracing Khan's journey from the small town of Katni to Mumbai, Chauhan said the actor overcame many hurdles to establish himself in the film industry and never let success change him. He recalled meeting Khan a few months ago at an awards function, where the late actor embraced him and said, "My friend, give me a tight hug; who knows when we'll meet again." Chauhan said he had not known at the time that Khan was battling an illness.

Offering his condolences, Chauhan said he hoped Khan would return to the film industry if reborn, and remembered how the actor met well-wishers with affection, asking about their families and their well-being.

Actor Annu Kapoor said the news of Khan's sudden death had left everyone in deep shock, grief and sorrow. He recalled that the two had worked together in Kanpur about six months ago, where Khan appeared cheerful and happy, and that he had also shared the screen with him in a film three years earlier.

Actor Rajpal Yadav said Khan had dedicated more than 50 years to Indian cinema and had been a dear friend to many in the fraternity. He recalled spending considerable time with Khan over the last 25 to 30 years through numerous films and outdoor shoots, describing him as cultured, educated and sensitive.

Yadav said Khan's death came as a shock because the actor had appeared physically strong shortly before he passed away. Just two to two-and-a-half hours before the end, he said, Khan had raised his hand, shaken hands, opened his eyes and communicated with those around him. He offered prayers for strength to the bereaved family.

Khan began his film career with 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai' in 1980. Known for his versatility, he appeared in a wide range of Hindi films, including 'Welcome', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'. His comic turn in 'Welcome', particularly the dialogue scene in which his character declares that he has one artificial leg and was once a great hockey player, remains among the film's most loved moments.