New Delhi: Actor Mukul Dev, known for his versatile roles in films like Son of Sardaar and Dastak, passed away at the age of 54 on May 23, 2025, in a Delhi hospital. The actor, who had been in the ICU for 8-10 days, reportedly died in his sleep, leaving the entertainment industry in shock.
Struggles with Isolation and Health
Mukul Dev’s close friend, Vindu Dara Singh, revealed that the actor battled depression following his mother’s death, which deeply affected him. “He was very close to his parents and never let go of the grief. He would feel alone, turn to drinking and gutka, and there was nobody to control him,” Singh told SCREEN. Dev had become increasingly reclusive, rarely stepping out or meeting people, a stark contrast to his vibrant on-screen persona.
Tributes Pour In from Industry Stalwarts
The news of Dev’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from Bollywood. Sushmita Sen, who debuted alongside Dev in Dastak (1996), shared, “Mukul was a gentleman, a talented actor, and a kind soul. I’m heartbroken. Rest in peace.” Ajay Devgn, his co-star in Son of Sardaar, posted on social media, “Still trying to process this. Mukul was a wonderful soul, gone too soon.” Actor Manoj Bajpayee also expressed his sorrow, calling Dev “a brother in spirit” whose warmth was unmatched, adding, “Miss you meri jaan… Om Shanti.”
A Career Marked by Versatility
Born in Delhi, Mukul Dev was a trained pilot before entering the entertainment industry. Launched by Amitabh Bachchan’s management company in the 1990s, he debuted on television with Mumkin (1996) and on the big screen with Dastak. Dev went on to feature in films like Kohram, Wajood, and Son of Sardaar, earning acclaim for his roles across Hindi, Punjabi, and South Indian cinema. His final project, Son of Sardaar 2, is set to release later this year, with Singh noting that Dev’s performance will leave audiences “clapping and laughing.”
Final Rites and Legacy
Dev’s brother, Rahul Dev, shared that the cremation took place at 5 PM on May 24 at Dayanand Mukti Dham in New Delhi. He leaves behind his daughter, Sia Dev, and a legacy of memorable performances. A 2024 industry survey highlighted Dev’s contribution to regional cinema, noting his ability to seamlessly adapt to diverse roles, a talent that will be cherished by fans.
