Mumbai, May 24, 2025 – The Indian film and television industry is reeling from the sudden loss of versatile actor Mukul Dev, who passed away on Friday night, May 23, 2025, at the age of 54. Known for his compelling performances in Bollywood, Punjabi, and South Indian cinema, as well as numerous television shows, Dev’s untimely demise has left colleagues, friends, and fans in deep sorrow. The cause of his death has not been officially disclosed, though reports indicate he had been unwell and was admitted to the ICU in the days leading up to his passing.
Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul Dev carved a niche for himself with his charismatic screen presence and ability to bring depth to every role he played. A graduate of St. Columba’s School in Delhi, Dev also held a certificate in aeronautics from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation in Raebareli, showcasing his diverse interests before fully embracing his acting career. He debuted in 1996 with the television serial Mumkin and made his big-screen entry the same year with the romantic drama Dastak, starring alongside Sushmita Sen and Manoj Bajpayee.
Over his 25-year career, Dev became a familiar face across multiple film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam cinema. His notable Bollywood films include Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Son of Sardaar (2012), R… Rajkumar (2013), and Jai Ho (2014), where he shared the screen with industry giants like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, and Ajay Devgn. On television, he appeared in popular shows such as Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai, and Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, earning admiration for his versatility.
The news of Dev’s passing sent shockwaves through the industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and friends. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with Dev in Dastak, shared an emotional post on Instagram: “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 🙏🏼.”
Actress Deepshikha Nagpal, a close friend, expressed her disbelief on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo with Dev and writing, “I can’t believe this muks… RIP.” She later spoke to India Today, revealing that Dev had kept his health struggles private, even from close friends. Actor Vindu Dara Singh, who co-starred with Dev in Son of Sardaar, confirmed the news and shared that Dev had become reclusive after the loss of his parents, which may have impacted his health. “He was an amazing person, and we will all miss him,” Singh told India Today.
Dev’s brother, actor Rahul Dev, and his daughter, Sia, survive him. The actor’s private nature meant he rarely discussed personal challenges, but his warmth and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on those who knew him. In a 2021 interview, Dev reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry, describing it as fulfilling and emphasizing his commitment to bringing authenticity to his roles.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with messages from fans and industry peers mourning the loss of the actor. Posts highlighted his contributions to Bollywood and regional cinema, with many calling him a “quiet star” whose work spoke louder than his presence off-screen.
Mukul Dev’s final film, Anth The End, marked his last appearance on the big screen, and colleagues expressed regret that he would not witness the release of Son of Sardaar 2, a posthumous project featuring Ajay Devgn. As the industry bids farewell to a talented performer, his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the countless lives he touched with his warmth and artistry.
