Veteran actor Anupam Kher has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Mushtaq Khan, describing the character actor as 'a very simple man' with a remarkable sense of humour — and one he had never once seen lose his temper. Kher shared his grief following Khan's passing in Atlanta after a battle with cancer.

A Video Tribute on Instagram

Taking to Instagram, Kher posted a personal video recounting his memories of collaborating with Khan across multiple films during the 1990s and 2000s. Alongside the video, the Hum Aapke Hain Koun actor wrote: 'I have very beautiful memories of working with Mr. Mushtaq Khan. Hearing the news of his passing, he came back to my eyes all day. My heartfelt condolences to his son Mohsin and the entire family #MushtaqKhan.'

Decades of Shared Screen Space

In the video, Kher recalled the period when the two were frequent on-screen collaborators. 'There was a time when we worked together on a lot of films. Mahesh Bhatt's films, Satish Kaushik's films, and many other films. Then we walked on our own paths. But I will always remember the days I spent with him,' he said, referencing projects helmed by directors Mahesh Bhatt and Satish Kaushik.

Remembering Mushtaq Khan's Personality

Kher spoke warmly of Khan's temperament, noting: 'Mr. Mushtaq was a very simple man. He had a great sense of humor. And I have never seen him angry.' He also revealed that he had kept in touch with Khan's son Mohsin over the past five to six years, regularly asking after his father's health. 'Mohsin never used to do anything new or share any film. I used to ask him every time, How is your father? How is Mr. Mushtaq?' he said. Kher praised Mohsin as 'a very good son', expressing confidence that Mohsin had cared well for his father during his illness.

On Loss and Memory

The Special 26 actor reflected on how he had spoken to Mushtaq Khan just a few months ago, and meditated on the way grief works. 'When someone passes away, the days spent with him pass in your mind like a reel of a film. The laughter of Mr. Mushtaq working with you will always remain in your mind,' he said. Concluding his tribute, Kher addressed the bereaved family directly: 'Mohsin and the whole family will always feel your absence in the film industry and in your personal life.'

Mushtaq Khan's Legacy

Mushtaq Khan had an extensive career spanning more than 500 films, earning recognition for memorable character roles in blockbusters such as Welcome, Gadar, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke. His death, following a prolonged battle with cancer, marks the loss of one of Hindi cinema's most dependable and prolific supporting actors. With tributes continuing to pour in from across the film fraternity, his passing leaves a void that peers like Kher say will be deeply felt both professionally and personally.