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On May 23, 2025, the Indian entertainment world lost a beloved actor, Mukul Dev, at age 54. His sudden passing in New Delhi shocked fans and friends alike. While the cause remains unclear, reports suggest he faced health struggles recently.
A Bright Start in Entertainment
Mukul Dev’s journey began long before his film debut. In Class 8, he impersonated Michael Jackson on a Doordarshan dance show. This performance earned him his first pay cheque. His moonwalk and confidence hinted at the star he’d become. Later, he trained as a pilot at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, ranking fourth among many. However, acting became his true calling.
A Memorable Film Debut
In 1996, Mukul debuted in Bollywood with Dastak, starring alongside Sushmita Sen. He played ACP Rohit Malhotra, a role that showcased his intensity. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, the film marked a strong start. Interestingly, Mukul’s father, a former police commissioner, also inspired his real-life connection to the role. Another project, Naam Kya Hai, with Amitabh Bachchan’s ABCL, was shelved due to financial issues.
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A Versatile Career Across Industries
Mukul shone in Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam films. His roles in Son of Sardaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Jai Ho, R… Rajkumar, and Omerta (where he also wrote the screenplay) won hearts. In My Story, he added depth as Sunil alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran. Additionally, he lent his voice to Hindi dubs of Captain Marvel and Black Panther. His last film, Anth The End, released before his passing.
Television and Beyond
Mukul’s television career was equally impressive. He debuted in 1996 with Mumkin as Vijay Pandey. Later, he appeared in Gharwali Uparwali, Kumkum, Kutumb, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, and Pyar Zindagi Hai. He also hosted the first season of Fear Factor India in 2006. Moreover, his role in Ek Se Badh Kar Ek showed his comedic flair. Television, he once said, revived his career after Bollywood setbacks.
A Life Rooted in Family
Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul grew up in a Punjabi family with roots near Jalandhar. His father, Hari Dev, a respected police officer fluent in Pashto and Persian, introduced him to Afghan culture. Mukul cherished his father’s gallantry award for saving a police station. Sadly, his father passed in 2019, and his mother’s death left Mukul struggling with depression. He was married to Shilpa Dev until 2005 and adored his daughter, Sia Dev, born in 2002. He once shared a proud memory of Sia’s admission to Sriram School in Delhi.
A Brother and Friend
Mukul was the younger brother of actor Rahul Dev. After his passing, Rahul, with his wife Mugdha Godse, shared a heartfelt statement. They announced Mukul’s peaceful passing and invited loved ones to his cremation at Dayanand Mukti Dham, Nizamuddin West, Delhi, at 5 PM on May 24. Mukul is survived by Sia, Rahul, sister Rashmi Kaushal, and nephew Sidhant Dev.
Heartfelt Tributes from Stars
The industry mourned deeply. Ajay Devgn, Mukul’s Son of Sardaar co-star, wrote, “You made everything lighter, Mukul. Om Shanti.” Sushmita Sen, his Dastak co-star, called him a “wonderful soul.” Manoj Bajpayee described him as a brother with unmatched warmth. Sonu Sood called him a “true gem,” while Kangana Ranaut expressed being “terribly sad.” Vindu Dara Singh, a close friend, shared that Mukul’s role in Son of Sardaar 2 would bring laughter, though he wouldn’t see its success.
Colleagues Share Memories
Deepshikha Nagpal, a dear friend, was in disbelief, saying, “He was a fantastic human being.” She mentioned their WhatsApp group and recent meetings. Hansal Mehta called him an “unrealised talent” and dear friend. Kunal Kohli recalled a Dalhousie holiday with Mukul before their film careers. Vikram Bhatt remembered Mukul’s charm on the Dastak set. Jr NTR cherished their time on Adhurs. Neil Nitin Mukesh and Taran Adarsh praised his talent, while Rahul Bhat shared a funny flight memory.
A Lasting Legacy
Mukul Dev’s versatility and warmth defined his career. From a young boy moonwalking to a celebrated actor, he lived passionately. His work across films and TV, along with his pilot training, showed his diverse talents. As fans flood his final Instagram post with tributes, one wrote, “Rest in peace, sir. A finest actor.” Mukul’s laughter and stories will live on, even as we say goodbye.