Actor Mukul Dev Dies at 54: Full Biography, Family, Career, and Legacy

Actor Mukul Dev, known for his versatile roles across Bollywood, television, and regional cinema, passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54 in Delhi. His demise has left the Indian entertainment industry and fans in deep mourning.

A Versatile Performer

Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul hailed from a Punjabi family with cultural influences from Afghanistan. His father, Hari Dev Kaushal, was a police officer, and his mother, Anup Kaushal, was a teacher. Mukul was the younger brother of actor Rahul Dev. Before entering the entertainment industry, he was a trained pilot and worked in the aviation sector. His acting career began with the film Dastak in 1996, directed by Mahesh Bhatt.

Over the years, Mukul showcased his talent in various films such as Son of Sardaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, R… Rajkumar, and Jai Ho. He also made significant contributions to television, appearing in popular serials like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kahin Diya Jale Kahin Jiya. His ability to portray a wide range of characters made him a respected figure in the industry.

Personal Struggles

Mukul’s personal life was marked by challenges. He was married to Shilpa Dev, with whom he had a daughter named Sia. The couple divorced in 2005, and Mukul reportedly became distant from his daughter thereafter. The deaths of his parents, particularly his mother’s passing, deeply affected him. According to close friend Vindu Dara Singh, Mukul became depressed and neglected his health following these personal losses, which ultimately contributed to his untimely demise.

Final Days and Legacy

Mukul had been unwell for 8 to 10 days before his passing and was admitted to the ICU in a Delhi hospital. Despite medical care, his condition deteriorated, leading to his death in his sleep.

His last Instagram post, shared in February 2025, featured a video from the cockpit of an aircraft he was piloting, accompanied by the caption: “And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too…. I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.” This post has since garnered attention for its poignant and mysterious tone.

Mukul Dev’s contributions to Indian cinema and television have left an indelible mark. His performances continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike. He is survived by his daughter Sia and siblings Rahul and Rashmi.

Rest in Peace, Mukul Dev

Your talent and dedication to the craft have inspired many. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy will live on through your work.