India, Sept. 26 -- You remember him as Ballu from Welcome (2007), or from films such as Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) and Bala (2019). Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, a familiar face across Hindi cinema for decades, died in Mumbai on Thursday evening after battling lung cancer. He was 75. Speaking to us, his business partner Shivam said Khan "had earlier recovered from the disease, but his cancer relapsed eight days ago and he was hospitalised in the terminal stage. He died around 7pm". The actor was laid to rest at Yari Road Kabristan in Mumbai after Friday's namaz. He is survived by his wife Salma, and two children, a daughter, Saba, and a son, filmmaker Mohsin Khan. Tributes poured in from colleagues soon after news of his death. Jaat (2025) co-stars Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda remembered the actor on social media, while filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who directed him in Welcome (2007), wrote on Instagram, "Shocked and speechless by the passing of Mushtaq Bhai (my balu). A truly remarkable artist and a beautiful soul. May Allah bless his soul and give strength to his family and loved ones." Actor Anupam Kher also remembered their years of working together, writing, "Working with Mushtaq Khan Sahab created many beautiful memories. Hearing the news of his passing brought all those days back vividly before my eyes." Actors Sanjay Mishra and Rakul Preet Singh were among others who offered condolences. HTC with inputs from rishabh suri...