Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The Indian film industry is reeling from the sudden demise of actor Mukul Dev, who passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54. Known for his diverse roles across Hindi, Punjabi, and South Indian cinema, as well as television, Dev's death has left a significant void in the entertainment world.

Dev had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a Delhi hospital due to health complications. Despite his illness, he maintained privacy about his condition, with close friends and colleagues unaware of the severity of his health issues. Actress Deepshikha Nagpal, a close friend, expressed her shock, stating that Dev had kept his illness private, leaving many in disbelief over his sudden passing .

Born into a family with a strong connection to the arts, Mukul Dev was the younger brother of actor Rahul Dev. He made his acting debut in the 1996 film "Dastak," which also marked the debut of Miss Universe Sushmita Sen. Over the years, Dev carved a niche for himself with notable performances in films like "Son of Sardaar," "R... Rajkumar," and "Jai Ho." His versatility extended to television, where he appeared in various serials, showcasing his range as an actor .

Beyond his acting career, Dev was a trained pilot and aviation trainer, having completed his training at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics in Chandigarh. This lesser-known facet of his life highlighted his multifaceted personality and interests 

The news of his death has elicited heartfelt tributes from the film fraternity. Actor Manoj Bajpayee expressed his grief on social media, describing Dev as "a brother in spirit" and praising his warmth and passion. Bajpayee's message encapsulated the sentiments of many who had worked with Dev over the years 

Dev is survived by his daughter, Sia Dev, and siblings Rahul Dev and Rashmi Kaushal. His family has announced that the cremation will take place today at 5 PM in Delhi.

In a poignant twist, Dev's final Instagram post contained a cryptic message that has since garnered attention. The post read, "And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too, I'll see you on the dark side of the moon," leading fans and followers to speculate about his state of mind in his final days .

Mukul Dev's untimely passing is a significant loss to Indian cinema. His contributions across various film industries and television have left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered for his talent, versatility, and the warmth he brought to his roles.