Rajpal Yadav Recalls Final Meeting With Mushtaq Khan, Says ‘He Shook My Hand’ Just Hours Before Death

Actor Rajpal Yadav has opened up about his last meeting with Mushtaq Khan, sharing that he met the actor in hospital just hours before his death and even shook his hand during their final interaction.

Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in popular films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Stree 2, died at 56 following a battle with cancer. His death has led to an outpouring of condolences from members of the film industry and fans.

‘I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE IT’: RAJPAL YADAV

Rajpal Yadav took to Instagram on Thursday to remember Mushtaq and shared a photograph of the late actor.

Recalling his hospital visit, Rajpal said he had spoken to Mushtaq and held his hand shortly before his death.

“This afternoon I went to meet Mushtaq Bhai, talked to him; he saw me, shook my hand and was listening to all our conversations and reacting to them,” he wrote.

The actor said it was difficult to process the sudden loss, particularly because he had met Mushtaq only around two hours earlier.

“I still can’t believe that the person I met two hours ago, the person I shook hands with, is no longer among us,” Rajpal said.

He also described Mushtaq as a popular actor whose work and presence would continue to be remembered, before offering an emotional tribute to his late friend.

Rajpal had initially posted a video from the hospital but later deleted it and replaced it with a photograph. The video was subsequently shared online by another social media user. It showed Rajpal sitting beside Mushtaq, who was lying on a hospital bed and holding his hand. Rajpal could be heard reassuring him and telling him that he would recover.

SUNNY DEOL REMEMBERS MUSHTAQ

Sunny Deol also paid tribute to the late actor on social media.

Sharing Mushtaq’s photograph, Sunny called him “a nice human being and a fine actor” and said he had fond memories of him. He also extended his condolences to Mushtaq’s family and wished them strength.

MUSHTAQ KHAN DIES AFTER CANCER BATTLE

Mushtaq had been undergoing treatment for cancer and was admitted to Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital in critical condition. He was reportedly being treated in the ICU before his death on Thursday evening.

His business partner Shivam confirmed to HT City that Mushtaq died at around 7 pm.

According to Shivam, Mushtaq had earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered, but the disease reportedly returned around eight days before his death. His condition subsequently worsened and he was hospitalised.

A LONG CAREER IN HINDI CINEMA

Mushtaq began his acting career with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai in 1980. Over the next three decades, he became a familiar face in Hindi cinema through roles in films such as Welcome, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Aashiqui, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Stree 2.

His death marks the loss of a veteran supporting actor who remained a recognisable presence across generations of Hindi films.