Veteran Comedian And Actor Mushtaq Merchant Passes Away At 67

Veteran Bollywood actor, comedian and writer Mushtaq Merchant passed away today (December 27) at the Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai. He was 67 years of age. He had reportedly been battling diabetes for a long time.

Mushtaq Merchant had acted in many acclaimed films including Haath Ki Safai, Jawani Diwani, Seeta Aur Geeta and Saagar. The actor had also acted in the cult movie Sholay but his role was reportedly chopped off, as it was adding to the length of the movie. Merchant had essayed the role of the train driver in Sholay whose bike Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) had stolen during the popular song 'Yeh Dosti' from the movie.

Mushtaq Merchant had left acting around 16 years ago and had reportedly become a Sufi and been busy with religious activities. He had also dabbled in theatre.

Filmibeat offers its condolences to the deceased's near and dear ones.

Photo courtesy: IMDb