Celebrated film and television actor Mukul Dev, known for memorable roles in Son of Sardaar, Jai Ho, R Rajkumar and Dastak, passed away on Friday night at the age of 54.
The cause of death remains unknown at the time of reporting. His sudden demise has sent ripples of grief across the Indian film industry.
His final rites will be held at 5 PM on Saturday at Dayanand Mukti Dham, Nizamuddin West, Delhi.
Prominent voices from Bollywood and the television industry have expressed their shock and sorrow.
Ajay Devgn, Mukul’s co-star from Son of Sardaar, wrote a heartfelt message alongside a black-and-white photograph of Mukul: “Still trying to process it… Mukul. It’s all too soon and sudden. You had a way of making everything lighter, even on the heaviest days. Om Shanti.”
Manoj Bajpayee called Mukul ‘a brother in spirit’, writing: “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.”
Sonu Sood referred to him as a ‘true gem’ and sent condolences to his brother: “RIP Mukul bhai. You were a gem. Will always miss you. Stay strong @RahulDevRising bhai.”
Gippy Grewal, the Punjabi actor, said: “RIP Mukul Dev Ji. May his soul rest in peace.”
Deepshikha Nagpal, a long-time friend and colleague, spoke with visible grief. “He never told us he was unwell. We used to chat all the time. I still can’t believe it’s not fake news. May his soul rest in peace.”
She added that the industry had lost not only a fine actor but a wonderful human being.
NTR Jr, who worked with Mukul in Adhurs, shared: “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.”
Sushmita Sen, who debuted opposite him in Dastak, posted: “Rest in peace, you wonderful soul.”
Suniel Shetty wrote: “Absolutely shocked and heartbroken. Gone too soon. Praying for strength in this difficult time.”
Kangana Ranaut added: “Terribly sad. RIP Mukul Ji.”
Neil Nitin Mukesh posted: “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,” the post added.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said: “My handsome friend Mukul. Gone too soon. Words fail the grief I feel right now at the loss of an unrealised talent, an underrated actor, a writer whose amazing stories will remain untold and a very dear friend. A deep personal loss.”
Vindu Dara Singh, his Son of Sardaar co-star, said: “Rest in peace, my brother. Son of Sardaar 2 will be your swansong.”
Kunal Kohli, filmmaker, shared photos and memories from their youth in Delhi: “#MukulDev gone too soon. These are from a holiday in Dalhousie before we entered films. #memories.”
Born in New Delhi into a Punjabi family, Mukul was the son of Hari Dev, a senior police officer.
Early exposure to Afghan culture, thanks to his father’s linguistic abilities in Pashto and Persian, helped shape Mukul’s unique personality.
He was also a trained pilot from the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi.
His first brush with showbiz came when, in Class 8, he earned a pay cheque for impersonating Michael Jackson in a Doordarshan event.
Mukul debuted in television with Mumkin in 1996 as Vijay Pandey, followed by roles in Ek Se Badh Kar Ek and as the host of Fear Factor India Season 1.
He made his film debut in Dastak, playing ACP Rohit Malhotra opposite Sushmita Sen. Over time, he gained recognition for supporting and antagonist roles in commercial Bollywood films and television dramas.
His final film appearance was in Anth The End (2022), directed by KS Malhotra, alongside Divya Dutta, Dev Sharma, and Samikssha Batnagar.
Rahul Dev, his brother and actor, released an official statement: “Our brother Mukul Dev passed away peacefully in New Delhi last night. He is survived by his daughter Sia Dev and is missed by his siblings Rashmi Kaushal, Rahul Dev, and nephew Siddhant Dev. Cremation will take place at 5 PM at Dayanand Mukti Dham, Nizamuddin West, Delhi.”
Mukul Dev’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Indian cinema, but his legacy lives on through his performances, friendships, and the profound impact he made on those around him.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing remains clear—Mukul will not be forgotten.
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