Sunny Deol mourns Gadar co-star Mushtaq Khan, dead at 56
Synopsis
Mushtaq Khan — the actor who gave Hindi cinema its beloved Gullu in Gadar — has died at 56 after reportedly battling cancer. His three-decade career stretched from Aashiqui to Stree 2, and his on-screen reunion with Sunny Deol in Gadar 2 was one of the franchise's most cherished callbacks. Bollywood is mourning a quietly irreplaceable talent.
Key Takeaways
Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan passed away on 24 September 2025 at a Mumbai hospital, reportedly after battling cancer.
He was 56 years old at the time of his passing.
Sunny Deol paid tribute on social media, calling him 'a nice human being and a fine actor' with 'fond memories.' Khan is best remembered as Gul Khan (Gullu) in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) and reprised the role in Gadar 2 .
His career spanned more than three decades , including films such as Stree 2 , Oh My God! , Welcome , and Krantiveer .
Bollywood actor Sunny Deol has paid an emotional tribute to his Gadar: Ek Prem Katha co-star Mushtaq Khan, who passed away on 24 September 2025 at a Mumbai hospital after reportedly battling cancer. Khan was 56 years old at the time of his passing, leaving behind a legacy that spanned more than three decades across film, television, and theatre.
Sunny Deol's Tribute
Deol took to his social media account to express his grief, writing: 'Sad to hear about Mushtaq Khan. He was a nice human being and a fine actor. Have fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. May they find strength in this difficult hour.' The heartfelt post described Khan as both a gifted performer and a warm individual off-screen.
The Gadar Connection
Mushtaq Khan and Sunny Deol shared the screen in the 2001 blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, in which Deol played the iconic character Tara Singh while Khan portrayed Gul Khan — affectionately known as Gullu — Tara Singh's best friend. The film also featured Ameesha Patel as Sakeena, Amrish Puri as Ashraf Ali, and Utkarsh Sharma as Jeete. More than two decades later, Khan reprised his beloved role in Gadar 2, reuniting him with Deol for one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated franchises.
A Career Across Genres
Khan's body of work was remarkably diverse. He appeared in landmark Hindi films including Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome, Wanted, Oh My God!, and most recently the Stree franchise, including the blockbuster Stree 2. His ability to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, and supporting roles made him a familiar and dependable presence in Hindi cinema for over three decades.
Industry in Mourning
The film fraternity has been left in a state of grief following the news of Khan's demise. As a character actor who brought depth and warmth to every role, his loss is being felt widely across Bollywood. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of Hindi film audiences who grew up watching him on screen.
Mushtaq Khan is survived by his family, who have been asked to draw strength during this difficult time by well-wishers across the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mushtaq Khan?
Mushtaq Khan was a veteran Bollywood character actor whose career spanned more than three decades across film, television, and theatre. He is best remembered for playing Gul Khan (Gullu) in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) and its sequel Gadar 2, and also appeared in films including Stree 2, Oh My God!, Welcome, and Krantiveer.
How did Mushtaq Khan die?
Mushtaq Khan passed away on 24 September 2025 at a Mumbai hospital, reportedly after battling cancer. He was 56 years old at the time of his death.
What did Sunny Deol say about Mushtaq Khan's death?
Sunny Deol posted a tribute on social media saying, 'Sad to hear about Mushtaq Khan. He was a nice human being and a fine actor. Have fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. May they find strength in this difficult hour.'
What was Mushtaq Khan's role in the Gadar franchise?
Mushtaq Khan played Gul Khan, popularly known as Gullu, the best friend of Sunny Deol's character Tara Singh, in both Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) and Gadar 2. The role became one of his most beloved performances.
Which films did Mushtaq Khan appear in besides Gadar?
Mushtaq Khan had a wide filmography that included Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome, Wanted, Oh My God!, Stree, and Stree 2, among others.
