Actor Raza Murad has spoken about the death of veteran actor Mushtaq Khan and questioned the absence of Bollywood stars from his funeral. Khan, who was known for his work in films including Akshay Kumar’s hit comedy Welcome, passed away on September 24 after battling cancer. His last rites were held on September 25.
In a video shared on Instagram on Saturday morning, Raza Murad paid tribute to Mushtaq Khan while expressing disappointment that several well known Bollywood faces were not present at the funeral. Without naming any particular celebrity, he said, “Afsoos baat yeh hai koi bhi star unhe apna aakhiri salaam pesh karne nahi aaya,” before adding, “koi bada chehra nahi aaya.”
Raza Murad also questioned whether actors could not spare around 50 minutes to attend the funeral and pay their final respects to a fellow member of the film industry. He remembered Mushtaq Khan’s contribution to cinema and highlighted the fact that the late actor had built his career through his work.
Speaking about Khan’s journey, Murad said, “Na unhone kisi ki chamcha giri ki, voh bas apne kaam ke balboote pe yahan tak phouche hai.”
Towards the end of his video, Raza Murad spoke about the temporary nature of money and fame and stressed the importance of remaining humble. His comments came after Mushtaq Khan’s funeral, where actors including Annu Kapoor, Gajendra Chauhan and Rajpal Yadav were spotted.
Annu Kapoor also spoke to the media outside the crematorium and remembered Mushtaq Khan as a dear friend and colleague. Recalling their most recent professional meeting, Kapoor said they had worked together around six months earlier.
“That is precisely why I am even more deeply pained, because just about six months ago, we worked together in Kanpur. He appeared completely cheerful and happy, or perhaps he was hiding (his illness)… He was wonderful. Three years ago as well, I had the privilege and good fortune of working alongside him in a film,” he said.
Mushtaq Khan had been hospitalised in the days before his death. According to his business partner, who spoke to Hindustan Times, the actor had earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer and had recovered following treatment. The cancer reportedly returned earlier this month, after which his condition worsened.
