Mukul Dev Death: Remembering the Versatile Actor and Pilot
The Indian entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Mukul Dev, a versatile actor and trained pilot, who passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54. Known for his compelling performances in films like Son of Sardaar, R… Rajkumar, and Jai Ho, as well as his contributions to television and regional cinema, Mukul Dev left an indelible mark on the industry. His untimely demise has left fans, colleagues, and friends in shock, with tributes pouring in from across Bollywood and beyond. This article explores Mukul Dev’s life, career, and legacy, while shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Who Was Mukul Dev?
Mukul Dev, born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, was a multifaceted talent whose journey spanned acting, modeling, and aviation. Hailing from a Punjabi family with roots near Jalandhar, Mukul was raised in a disciplined environment shaped by his father, Hari Dev, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police. His father’s fluency in Pashto and Persian introduced Mukul to Afghan culture, enriching his worldview from a young age.
Before entering the entertainment industry, Mukul pursued a unique path as a trained pilot, completing his aviation training at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi in Raebareli. He worked as a commercial pilot for nearly a decade and even ran an aeronautical training institute before fully committing to acting. This blend of discipline and creativity defined Mukul’s approach to his craft, making him a standout figure in Indian cinema.
Mukul’s first brush with performance came in Class 8, when he earned his first paycheck impersonating Michael Jackson in a Doordarshan-organized dance program. This early exposure to the spotlight set the stage for a career that would see him shine across multiple platforms, from television to Bollywood and regional films.
Mukul Dev’s Illustrious Career
Mukul Dev’s acting career began in 1996 with the television serial Mumkin, where he played Vijay Pandey, earning quick recognition for his relatable screen presence. That same year, he made his Bollywood debut in the thriller Dastak, starring opposite Sushmita Sen, who was also making her acting debut. The film, while receiving mixed reviews, showcased Mukul’s ability to hold his own as ACP Rohit Malhotra, a role that resonated with audiences.
Over the next three decades, Mukul Dev became a household name through his work in Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam cinema. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between intense roles in thrillers like Qila and Wajood to comedic performances in films such as Yamla Pagla Deewana and Son of Sardaar. His role in Yamla Pagla Deewana earned him the prestigious 7th Amrish Puri Award for excellence in acting, a testament to his skill and dedication.
Mukul’s filmography includes notable titles such as R… Rajkumar, Jai Ho, Himmatwala, and Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. He also made significant contributions to regional cinema, with standout performances in Telugu films like Adhurs alongside Jr NTR and Malayalam projects with Prithviraj Sukumaran. His final film, Son of Sardaar 2, starring Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, is yet to be released but is expected to be a fitting swansong, with co-star Vindu Dara Singh noting that Mukul’s performance will “spread joy and happiness to viewers.”
On television, Mukul appeared in popular serials like Gharwali Uparwali, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Kasshish, and Kahin Diyaa Jale Kahin Jiyaa. He also hosted the first season of Fear Factor India and Doordarshan’s comedic Bollywood countdown show Ek Se Badh Kar Ek, further showcasing his charisma and versatility.
The Circumstances of Mukul Dev’s Death
Mukul Dev passed away on the night of May 23, 2025, in a Delhi hospital after battling health complications. Reports indicate that he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 8-10 days prior to his passing, though the exact cause of death remains undisclosed. His close friend, actress Deepshikha Nagpal, confirmed the news via an emotional Instagram Story, sharing a throwback photo with the caption, “Can’t believe this. RIP.”
Vindu Dara Singh, who worked with Mukul in Son of Sardaar and its sequel, revealed that Mukul had become increasingly withdrawn after the death of his parents, particularly his mother, which left him in a state of near-depression. “He wouldn’t even step out of the house or meet anyone,” Vindu told India Today, adding that Mukul’s health had deteriorated significantly in the days leading up to his hospitalization.
Mukul’s brother, actor Rahul Dev, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, announcing that Mukul’s cremation would take place on May 24, 2025, at 5 PM at Dayanand Mukti Dham in Nizamuddin West, Delhi. He wrote, “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.”
Tributes Pour In from Bollywood and Beyond
The news of Mukul Dev’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and fans. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who shared the screen with Mukul in Dastak, penned an emotional tribute 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.”
Ajay Devgn, Mukul’s co-star in Son of Sardaar, expressed his disbelief, writing, “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.” Sonu Sood also took to X, calling Mukul a “gem” and extending support to Rahul Dev and his family.
Vindu Dara Singh, who considered Mukul a brother, shared a touching post on X: “Rest in peace my brother #MukulDev! The time spent with you will always be cherished and #SonOfSardaar2 will be your swansong where you will spread joy and happiness to the viewers and make them fall down laughing!”
Other celebrities, including Arshad Warsi, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Jr NTR, also mourned Mukul’s loss, highlighting his talent, humility, and infectious spirit. Fans flooded social media with messages of condolence, with one writing, “RIP, sir. One of the finest actors since the 90s,” under Mukul’s final Instagram post.
Mukul Dev’s Haunting Final Instagram Post
Mukul’s last Instagram post, shared on February 26, 2025, has taken on an eerie significance in the wake of his passing. The video, filmed from the cockpit of an aircraft as he flew above the clouds, was captioned with a line from Pink Floyd’s Brain Damage: “And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too…. I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.” Accompanied by the song Dark Side of the Moon, the post has sparked speculation among fans about whether Mukul had a premonition of his death. Given his background as a pilot, the post was a poignant reflection of his love for aviation, but its cryptic tone has left many reflecting on its deeper meaning.
Mukul Dev’s Personal Life
Mukul Dev was married to Shilpa Dev, but the couple parted ways in 2005. They have a daughter, Sia Dev, who turned 24 in 2024. Mukul shared a heartfelt post on Instagram in December 2022, celebrating Sia’s 20th birthday: “Happy 20th to this lovely lady. Happy birthday, Sia.” He is also survived by his elder brother, actor Rahul Dev, his sister Rashmi Kaushal, and his nephew Sidhant Dev.
In a 2021 interview with Hindustan Times, Mukul reflected on his 25-year career with gratitude, saying, “Even if I want to, I cannot complain. The kind of launch I got with Dastak and then the films I did after that. I did TV, Hindi films, and then regional films. It is very satisfying.” He also spoke fondly of his early association with Amitabh Bachchan’s production company, ABCL, for a shelved project titled Naam Kya Hai, and his long-standing bond with Sushmita Sen, with whom he debuted in Dastak.
Mukul Dev’s Legacy
Mukul Dev’s legacy is one of versatility, humility, and passion. Whether playing a cop, a villain, or a comedic sidekick, he brought authenticity and charm to every role. His ability to move between mainstream Bollywood, regional cinema, and television made him a beloved figure across diverse audiences. Beyond acting, his love for aviation and his grounded personality endeared him to those who knew him personally.
As the industry mourns his loss, Mukul’s contributions will continue to resonate through his extensive body of work. His final film, Son of Sardaar 2, promises to showcase his comedic brilliance, ensuring that his legacy lives on. For fans and colleagues, Mukul Dev will always be remembered as a “fantastic human being” and an “amazing actor” whose warmth and talent left an unforgettable mark.
Conclusion
The passing of Mukul Dev at the age of 54 is a profound loss for the Indian entertainment industry. His journey from a trained pilot to a celebrated actor is a testament to his multifaceted talent and unwavering dedication. As tributes continue to pour in, Mukul’s memory will live on through his films, his love for aviation, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.