The Indian film industry is in mourning following the untimely demise of actor Mukul Dev, who passed away on May 23 at the age of 54. Known for his warmth, humility, and commanding screen presence, Mukul had been unwell for several days and was admitted to the ICU. Despite the best efforts of doctors, he could not recover. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed. He is survived by his brother, actor Rahul Dev.
A Quiet Exit, A Loud Legacy
Mukul Dev may not have been in the limelight often, but his contribution to Indian cinema was significant. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he worked across multiple film industries including Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam as well as in television. Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul was known for his effortless charm and versatility.
He began his journey in the entertainment industry in 1996 with the television series Mumkin. His Bollywood debut came the same year with the psychological thriller Dastak, where he starred alongside Sushmita Sen. Mukul soon became a familiar face on the big screen with memorable performances in films like Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R… Rajkumar, and Jai Ho.
An Outpouring of Grief from Colleagues and Fans
Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues in the industry. Actor Vindu Dara Singh, who worked with Mukul in Son of Sardar, confirmed the sad news and shared how Mukul had become reclusive after the death of his parents. “He would not even step out of the house or meet anyone. His health deteriorated rapidly,” he said.
Deepshika Nagpal, a close friend, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram with a photo of the two together, writing, “I’ve been calling his number, hoping he would pick up.”
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Neil Nitin Mukesh called him a “powerhouse performer and a lovely person,” while Manoj Bajpayee described Mukul as a “brother in spirit” whose “warmth and passion were unmatched.”
Really upset with the sad news of dear Mukul leaving us so soon. A powerhouse performer and a lovely person. My deepest condolences to @RahulDevRising @mugdhagodse267 and the entire family. God be with you all during these tough times. . Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/48ARopc9vk
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) May 24, 2025
A Life Beyond the Screen
Few know that Mukul was also academically inclined. He studied at the prestigious St. Columba’s School in Delhi and held a certificate in aeronautics from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation in Raebareli.
Mukul Dev’s passing leaves a void in the industry that can never be filled. His gentle spirit, quiet strength, and remarkable talent will be missed dearly. Om Shanti.
