Actor Mushtaq Khan may be remembered by many for making audiences laugh as Ballu in Welcome, but behind that popular performance was a story about the reality he experienced as a character actor in Bollywood. Following his death at 56 after a battle with cancer on September 24, 2026, his old comments about the industry have once again drawn attention.
‘Welcome’ And The Pay Gap Mushtaq Khan Experienced
During a throwback conversation with Digital Commentary, Mushtaq had spoken openly about the difference in treatment between leading stars and supporting actors. While discussing his experience of working on Welcome, he revealed that his remuneration was lower than what Akshay Kumar’s staff received.
The actor also recalled that while shooting in Dubai, he stayed at the same hotel where Akshay Kumar’s staff was staying. He used the example to explain how character actors often worked within much smaller budgets for themselves, even when they were part of films built around major stars.
His comments were not simply about one film. Mushtaq pointed towards a larger difference in the way stars and supporting performers were treated in mainstream Hindi cinema. At the same time, he acknowledged that things were slowly changing and said he had experienced more respectful working environments on projects such as Stree 2 and Railway Men.
A Career Filled With Familiar Characters
Mushtaq Khan worked across films such as Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Hera Pheri, Jodi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Gadar 2 and Stree 2. His role as Ballu in Welcome remained one of his most recognisable performances.
His career also included television and several character roles, making him a familiar face for generations of Hindi film audiences.
His old words now offer a glimpse into an aspect of his journey that often stayed away from the spotlight.
