Mukul Dev, the versatile actor known for his work across Hindi, Punjabi, and South Indian cinema, passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54 in New Delhi. His death, following a prolonged illness, has left a quiet emptiness in the hearts of fans, colleagues, and loved ones. Mukul was never one to seek the limelight, but his presence on screen and in life always left an impression — subtle, sincere, and deeply human.
He began his acting career in 1996 with the film Dastak, acting alongside Sushmita Sen. While he did not debut with much fanfare, his performance stood out. Mukul was never the kind of actor who needed exaggerated drama to command attention. Instead, he brought a quiet authenticity to his roles — whether he was playing a loyal friend, a conflicted police officer, or a ruthless villain. His performances in films like Son of Sardaar,
R… Rajkumar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and Jai Ho were always grounded and believable. He also made a significant mark on television, where his roles further showcased his emotional depth and calm screen presence.
Apart from acting, Mukul had another passion that not many in the industry shared — he was a trained pilot. He studied at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics and often shared glimpses of his flying experiences online. It was clear that aviation wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was something that gave him a sense of freedom and peace, something that perhaps balanced the unpredictability of a career in showbiz.
His personal life, however, was not without its challenges. Mukul went through a divorce in 2005, and his ex-wife moved abroad with their daughter, Sia. Reports suggest that he had limited contact with his daughter in the years that followed. The loss of his parents and the growing emotional distance from his only child seemed to have deeply affected him. Those close to him mentioned that he had grown more withdrawn in recent years, keeping his struggles private and choosing solitude over conversation. He was admitted to the ICU in the days before his death, but few knew just how serious his condition was. His last social media post, filled with a sense of foreboding, now reads like a silent goodbye.
Despite the personal hardships he faced, Mukul remained a deeply respected figure in the industry. His brother, actor Rahul Dev, expressed the family’s sorrow and gratitude in a brief statement, calling Mukul a kind and gentle soul. Several actors who had worked with him, including Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, and Sushmita Sen, paid their respects, remembering him for his humility, warmth, and professionalism. Sushmita Sen referred to him as “grounded in a world full of noise,” a tribute that truly captures the essence of who he was.
Mukul Dev may not have been a headline-maker, but he was the kind of actor who quietly elevated every project he was part of. He didn’t need controversies or constant visibility to be relevant. He believed in honest work, meaningful roles, and living life with dignity. His performances spoke for themselves, and his calm, thoughtful presence made him someone people trusted and admired.
Now that he is gone, his absence is deeply felt, not just because of the roles he played but because of the person he was. Mukul Dev lived a life of depth and grace, often away from the spotlight, but always true to himself. He leaves behind a body of work that will continue to inspire, and a memory that will be cherished by all who knew him. In his quiet way, he touched many lives — and that is perhaps the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind.
