After a brief illness, renowned actor Mukul Dev, starred in hit movies like “Son of Sardaar”, “R Rajkumar”, and “Jai Ho”, passed away on Friday night in New Delhi. After his health deteriorated, the 54-year-old actor was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but he tragically did not recover.
The news of his demise was confirmed by actor Vindu Dara Singh, who expressed deep sorrow over the news. Singh said, “After his parent’s death, Mukul kept to himself. He would not even step out of the house or meet anyone. His health deteriorated in the last few days, and he was in the hospital. My condolences to his brother and everyone who knew and loved him. He was an amazing person, and we will all miss him”.
Private Battle with Health
Close friends of the actor revealed that Mukul had been unwell for some time but chose to keep his condition private. Actress Deepshika Nagpal, a longtime friend and co-star, shared her shock: “We had a close friends’ group on WhatsApp where we regularly chatted. But Mukul never mentioned anything about his health. I still can’t believe he’s gone. It feels unreal.”
Family Issues Statement
His elder brother, actor Rahul Dev, took to Instagram to announce the tragic news. The statement read: “Our brother Mukul Dev passed away peacefully at New Delhi last night. He’s survived by his daughter Sia Dev. Missed by siblings Rashmi Kaushal, Rahul Dev and nephew Sidhant Dev. Please join us for cremation which will take place at 5 PM today.”
Bollywood celebrities express grief
Manoj Bajpayee condoled the actor’s death on X and wrote, “It’s impossible to put into words what I’m feeling. Mukul was a brother in spirit, an artist whose warmth and passion were unmatched. Gone too soon, too young. Praying for strength and healing for his family and everyone grieving this loss. Miss you meri jaan until we meet again, Om Shanti (sic).”
In a post on X, Neil Nitin Mukesh wrote, “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.”
Sonu Sood also posted a touching tribute, “RIP Mukul bhai. You were a gem. Will always miss you. Stay strong @RahulDevRising bhaji (sic),” he wrote.
Jr NTR also made a post on X, he wrote “Saddened by the passing of Mukul Dev garu. Remembering our time in Adhurs and his commitment to the craft. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
Saddened by the passing of Mukul Dev garu. Remembering our time in Adhurs and his commitment to the craft. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Rp4HsrLR2I
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) May 24, 2025
A Remarkable Journey in Entertainment
Mukul Dev’s relationship with the arts started at a young age. He was born in Delhi into a Punjabi family with ancestry close to Jalandhar. His first performance experience occurred during Class 8, when he earned his first paycheck by imitating Michael Jackson during a Doordarshan dance show.
Prior to fully embracing the entertainment industry, Mukul attended the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi and received training as a pilot.
He made his television debut with the 1996 series Mumkin, playing Vijay Pandey. He later appeared in shows like Ek Se Badh Kar Ek, and hosted the first season of Fear Factor India.
Accomplished Actor in Films and TV
After making his cinematic debut with Sushmita Sen in Dastak, Mukul Dev went on to develop a remarkable body of work. Among his well-known films are Don: The Chase Begins Again, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Apna Sapna Money Money, Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao (2001), Qila (1998), Kohram (1999), and many more.
With television serials like Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, and Ssshhhh… Phir Koi Hai, he was also a major figure on television. He received recognition for his efforts, including Yamla Pagla Deewana’s 7th Amrish Puri Award for Excellence in Acting.
A Legacy Remembered
Together with Divya Dutta, Mukul Dev made his last movie appearance in Anth The End (2022). Fans and colleagues alike have paid tribute to his talent, humility, and warmth in the wake of his unexpected death, which has left a profound void in the industry.
