Bollywood and television actor Mukul Dev has passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances across various mediums. His death occurred on the night of May 23, 2025, in New Delhi, following a prolonged illness that had seen him admitted to the ICU in recent days .
Early Life and Career
Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul Dev hailed from a Punjabi family with roots in a village near Jalandhar. Mukul Dev’s first brush with the entertainment world came during his school days in eighth grade, when he earned his first payment for performing a Michael Jackson dance routine in a Doordarshan program. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he also trained as a professional pilot at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation.
Mukul made his acting debut in 1996 with the film Dastak, where he played ACP Rohit Malhotra. He went on to feature in several notable films, including Qila (1998), Kohram (1999), and Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao (2001). In the later stages of his career, Mukul Dev took on notable supporting roles in several Bollywood hits, including Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Son of Sardaar (2012), R… Rajkumar (2013), and Jai Ho (2014).
Television and Web Series
Beyond films, Mukul Dev made significant contributions to television and digital platforms. Mukul Dev made his television debut in 1996 with the drama series Mumkin, marking the beginning of his journey on the small screen. His notable television appearances include roles in Kahin Diyaa Jale Kahin Jiyaa (2001), Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (2003), and Fear Factor India (2006), where he served as the host . In the digital realm, he portrayed Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in the web series State of Siege: 26/11 (2020).
Personal Life and Final Days
Mukul Dev was the brother of actor Rahul Dev. In the days leading up to his death, he had been battling health complications and was under medical care. His family has not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of his death .
Adding to the poignancy of his passing, Mukul’s last Instagram post featured a cryptic message, leading to speculation about whether he had a premonition of his death .
Tributes from the Industry
Mukul Dev was the younger brother of well-known actor Rahul Dev. In the weeks before his passing, he had been facing serious health issues and was reportedly receiving medical treatment. As of now, the family has not issued an official statement disclosing the exact cause of his death.
Legacy
Mukul Dev’s versatile acting skills and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on Indian entertainment. From his impactful roles in films to his engaging television appearances, he will be remembered as a talented actor who brought depth and authenticity to every character he portrayed.
As the industry mourns his loss, Mukul Dev’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and entertain audiences worldwide.
