Aanjjan Srivastav Breaks Down at Mushtaq Khan’s Prayer Meet: ‘He Left Us Too Soon’

Several members of the Hindi film industry attended the gathering to pay their respects to Mushtaq, who died on September 24 after battling cancer.

Speaking at the prayer meet, Aanjjan recalled the years he spent working with Mushtaq and described their relationship as one that had grown into a close family-like bond. He struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about the actor's sudden passing.

“We worked together for so many years. There was such a family relationship between us. That is why my wife has also come. We would also eat and spend time together, he was like family. Now, he has gone very far. He has left us very soon,” Aanjjan said.

The two actors worked together on several projects over the years, including *Sazaye Maut* (1981), *Chamatkar* (1992), *Jazbaat* (1994), *Akele Hum Akele Tum* (1995) and *Ek Aur Visphot* (2002).

Their association also extended to television. Both were part of the original *Wagle Ki Duniya*, with Aanjjan portraying the much-loved character Srinivas Wagle and Mushtaq appearing as Manohar.

Aanjjan, born on June 2, 1948, has built a career across Hindi cinema, television and theatre spanning several decades. He became widely recognised for playing the middle-class family man Srinivas Wagle and later returned to the role in *Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey*.

His filmography includes *Gol Maal*, *Salaam Bombay!*, *Mississippi Masala*, *Khuda Gawah*, *Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa*, *Pukar*, *Chak De! India* and *Yuvvraaj*, among several other projects.

Mushtaq Khan was known for his extensive work as a supporting and comic actor in Hindi cinema. Over his decades-long career, he appeared in films such as *Aashiqui*, *Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke*, *Hera Pheri*, *Jodi No. 1*, *Mujhse Shaadi Karogi*, *Gadar: Ek Prem Katha* and *Welcome*.

One of his memorable performances came in *Welcome*, where he played Ballu, a character with a disability who is part of the film's comic ensemble.

Mushtaq died in Mumbai on September 24, 2026, while undergoing treatment for cancer. He was laid to rest in the city on September 25.