Mushtaq Khan once revealed he got only Rs 1 lakh for Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Welcome' even after shooting beyond the agreed schedule: 'It was not right'
Mushtaq Khan may have had a relatively small role in Welcome, but his portrayal of Ballu, one of Uday Shetty’s henchmen, became one of the memorable comic performances in Anees Bazmee ’s 2007 blockbuster. His monologue about his fake leg and his past as a hockey player remains closely associated with the film. Behind the popular character, however, was a payment issue that Mushtaq had spoken about publicly before his death. The veteran actor revealed that although his initial agreement was based on a limited number of shooting days, the schedule was extended considerably without a corresponding increase in his remuneration. He said he ultimately received Rs 1 lakh for the film.
Mushtaq Khan said his 'Welcome' shoot extended beyond the agreed scheduleIn an earlier interview with SCREEN, Mushtaq explained that actors typically negotiated their remuneration based on the number of days they were expected to work. According to him, his agreement for Welcome was based on an initial schedule of around 20 to 25 days. However, once those days were completed, he was asked to continue shooting for additional stretches. Mushtaq said the extra work did not result in an increase in his agreed payment.
“When we sign an agreement, we’re told it’s a 20-day or 25-day shoot. Based on that, we decide our payment. But when, after the 25-day shoot is over, they ask for 10 more days, and then another 15 days after that, I felt that was not right. The payment wasn’t increased,” he had said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Mushtaq Khan said he was paid Rs 1 lakh for the entire filmMushtaq further explained that his remuneration had been fixed at Rs 1 lakh for the film, regardless of whether the shoot lasted 20 or 25 days. He contrasted this with the payment structure followed for staff working with Akshay Kumar , who was among 'Welcome’s leads.
“I’ll tell you the reason. For us, it was fixed that we would do the film for Rs 1 lakh, whether it took 20 days or 25 days. But their staff worked on a per-day basis. Just imagine how much money we would have made if we were also paid per day,” Mushtaq said.
Mushtaq Khan’s Ballu became a memorable part of 'Welcome'In 'Welcome', Mushtaq played Ballu, an associate of Nana Patekar’s Uday Shetty. Although his screen time was limited compared with the principal cast, his comic timing and dialogue delivery helped make the character memorable.
One of Ballu’s best-known exchanges begins with the line, “Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bohot bada khiladi tha,” (One of my legs is artificial; I used to be a great hockey player) before he launches into the story of how he lost his leg.
The film starred Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif , Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Mallika Sherawat and Feroz Khan, among others.
Mushtaq Khan returned as Ballu in 'Welcome Back'Despite his experience with the remuneration for the first film, Mushtaq returned as Ballu in 'Welcome Back', the 2015 sequel again directed by Anees Bazmee. The sequel reunited several members of the original franchise, although Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif were not part of the principal cast. Mushtaq once again appeared alongside Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor as the franchise continued its comic gangster storyline.
Mushtaq Khan’s career spanned more than four decadesMushtaq began his film career with Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai?' in 1980. He subsequently established himself as a familiar character actor in Hindi cinema, appearing in films across comedy, drama, action and romance. His early and notable collaborations with Mahesh Bhatt included 'Kabzaa', 'Aashiqui', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin', 'Sadak', 'Junoon', 'Gunaah', 'Sir' and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke'.
Over the years, his filmography expanded to include 'Akele Hum Akele Tum', 'Hera Pheri', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', 'Wanted', 'Rowdy Rathore', 'Gadar 2', 'Stree 2' and several other films. He also appeared in the Netflix series 'The Railway Men'. His later credits included 'Vanvaas', 'Baby John', 'Dhoom Dhaam', 'Jaat' and other projects. Filmography records also list his appearances in 2026 releases, including 'Hum Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor Hai' and 'Cocaine'.
Mushtaq Khan passed away at 56Mushtaq Khan died on September 24, 2026, aged 56. Reports said he had been undergoing treatment in Mumbai after his cancer returned. His business partner confirmed his death to India Today.
Mushtaq Khan said his 'Welcome' shoot extended beyond the agreed scheduleIn an earlier interview with SCREEN, Mushtaq explained that actors typically negotiated their remuneration based on the number of days they were expected to work. According to him, his agreement for Welcome was based on an initial schedule of around 20 to 25 days. However, once those days were completed, he was asked to continue shooting for additional stretches. Mushtaq said the extra work did not result in an increase in his agreed payment.
“When we sign an agreement, we’re told it’s a 20-day or 25-day shoot. Based on that, we decide our payment. But when, after the 25-day shoot is over, they ask for 10 more days, and then another 15 days after that, I felt that was not right. The payment wasn’t increased,” he had said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Mushtaq Khan said he was paid Rs 1 lakh for the entire filmMushtaq further explained that his remuneration had been fixed at Rs 1 lakh for the film, regardless of whether the shoot lasted 20 or 25 days. He contrasted this with the payment structure followed for staff working with Akshay Kumar , who was among 'Welcome’s leads.
“I’ll tell you the reason. For us, it was fixed that we would do the film for Rs 1 lakh, whether it took 20 days or 25 days. But their staff worked on a per-day basis. Just imagine how much money we would have made if we were also paid per day,” Mushtaq said.
Mushtaq Khan’s Ballu became a memorable part of 'Welcome'In 'Welcome', Mushtaq played Ballu, an associate of Nana Patekar’s Uday Shetty. Although his screen time was limited compared with the principal cast, his comic timing and dialogue delivery helped make the character memorable.
One of Ballu’s best-known exchanges begins with the line, “Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bohot bada khiladi tha,” (One of my legs is artificial; I used to be a great hockey player) before he launches into the story of how he lost his leg.
The film starred Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif , Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Mallika Sherawat and Feroz Khan, among others.
Mushtaq Khan returned as Ballu in 'Welcome Back'Despite his experience with the remuneration for the first film, Mushtaq returned as Ballu in 'Welcome Back', the 2015 sequel again directed by Anees Bazmee. The sequel reunited several members of the original franchise, although Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif were not part of the principal cast. Mushtaq once again appeared alongside Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor as the franchise continued its comic gangster storyline.
Mushtaq Khan’s career spanned more than four decadesMushtaq began his film career with Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai?' in 1980. He subsequently established himself as a familiar character actor in Hindi cinema, appearing in films across comedy, drama, action and romance. His early and notable collaborations with Mahesh Bhatt included 'Kabzaa', 'Aashiqui', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin', 'Sadak', 'Junoon', 'Gunaah', 'Sir' and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke'.
Over the years, his filmography expanded to include 'Akele Hum Akele Tum', 'Hera Pheri', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', 'Wanted', 'Rowdy Rathore', 'Gadar 2', 'Stree 2' and several other films. He also appeared in the Netflix series 'The Railway Men'. His later credits included 'Vanvaas', 'Baby John', 'Dhoom Dhaam', 'Jaat' and other projects. Filmography records also list his appearances in 2026 releases, including 'Hum Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor Hai' and 'Cocaine'.
Mushtaq Khan passed away at 56Mushtaq Khan died on September 24, 2026, aged 56. Reports said he had been undergoing treatment in Mumbai after his cancer returned. His business partner confirmed his death to India Today.
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