Prominent Hindi cinema actor and comedian Mushtaq Khan passed away on the evening of September 24 at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. His sudden departure at the age of 65 has created a wave of profound grief not only across Bollywood but also in his birthplace Behar and throughout the Balaghat district. Local residents and acquaintances in Behar are paying heartfelt tributes to their beloved artist. Having started his acting journey from the theater stage, Mushtaq Khan had elevated Balaghat's name on a national level. With his passing, the Balaghat district has lost a shining star, leaving his relatives and local residents deeply saddened.
A Grounded and Down-to-Earth Personality
Saima Naz, a relative of Mushtaq Khan, recalled his simple demeanor, stating that the artist born in Behar had brought the town recognition on the Bollywood map. Being her uncle by relation, his demise has left the entire locality in a state of mourning. Offering prayers for him, she expressed hope that he finds the highest place in heaven. She further shared that whenever he visited his hometown, he never behaved like a celebrity or a Bollywood star.
Saima Naz emphasized that he always interacted with people like an ordinary human being and remained deeply connected to his roots. There was never any trace of ego or arrogance in him despite being a major Bollywood figure. He mingled freely with grassroots people, and the news of his death has cast a pall of gloom over the entire atmosphere of Behar.
Childhood Friends and Local Residents Share Memories
Sachin Jharia, a resident of Behar, remembered the actor by noting that all his childhood companions who grew up playing with him are in deep shock. He shared a unique bond with the locals, often attending local cricket tournaments and meeting everyone warmly whenever he visited Behar. He never met people like a film celebrity, maintaining very warm and normal relationships with everyone.
Sachin Jharia concluded that this is a massive loss for the Balaghat district, as he had journeyed from a small place like Behar all the way to Bollywood and brought recognition to the region. Due to the Ganesh Visarjan festival on that day, the planned tribute gathering could not take place, but local residents were scheduled to offer their tributes the following day.
