Actor Mukul Dev, Known for Villain Roles in Bollywood, Dies at 54

Actor and former model Mukul Dev, known for his impactful performances across Bollywood and regional cinema, passed away on Friday, May 23, at the age of 54. He died after a brief illness and had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for treatment in his final days. Mukul is survived by his brother, actor Rahul Dev.

The news of his death was confirmed by actor Vindu Dara Singh, who shared screen space with Mukul in the film Son of Sardaar. In a heartfelt statement to India Today, Vindu expressed sorrow, saying, “After his parents’ death, Mukul had become very reclusive. He didn’t step out or meet people. His health deteriorated recently, and he was hospitalized. My condolences to his brother and everyone who knew and loved him. He was an amazing person, and we will all miss him.”

Actress and friend Deepshika Nagpal also paid tribute to Mukul, sharing a photo with him on Instagram. She revealed that Mukul never discussed his health with friends, and his sudden passing shocked their close-knit circle. “We have a friends’ WhatsApp group where we’d chat often. I woke up to the news this morning and kept calling his number, hoping he’d answer,” she said, visibly emotional.

Born in Delhi, Mukul Dev began his career in the entertainment industry in the mid-1990s. He made his television debut in the serial Mumkin (1996), portraying the character Vijay Pandey. He also gained popularity through Ek Se Badh Kar Ek, a comedic Bollywood countdown show on Doordarshan.

Transitioning into films, Mukul appeared in a variety of roles across genres. His film credits include Qila (1998), Wajood (1998), Kohram (1999), and Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao (2001). He was particularly known for portraying antagonistic characters with conviction, earning recognition for his role in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), which won him the 7th Amrish Puri Award for excellence in acting.

Mukul worked not only in Hindi cinema but also ventured into Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu films. His versatility extended to music albums and television serials, where he maintained a consistent presence over the years.

Despite a flourishing early career, Mukul gradually withdrew from the public eye in recent years, especially following the death of his parents. Friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle, talented soul who shied away from the spotlight but left a lasting impression on audiences with his performances.

Mukul Dev’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of 1990s and early 2000s cinema. His contributions to Indian entertainment will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.

IT.