The Indian film and television industry is in mourning following the death of actor Mukul Dev, who passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54. Known for his versatility and impactful performances across Hindi, Punjabi, and regional cinema, as well as television, his sudden demise has shocked fans and colleagues alike.

Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul Dev came from a Punjabi family. While he initially trained as a pilot, his passion for acting led him to the entertainment industry. Mukul made his television debut in 1996 with the series "Mumkin," playing the role of Vijay Pandey. He also appeared in Doordarshan's "Ek Se Badh Kar Ek," a comedy Bollywood countdown show. Beyond acting, he hosted the first season of "Fear Factor India," showcasing his dynamic presence.

Mukul Dev's career on the small screen saw him take on roles in several popular daily soaps during the 2000s. Although specific details about his roles in shows like "Gharwali Uparwali," "Kumkum," "Kutumb," and "Kasshish" are limited in the available information, his presence in these series solidified his place as a familiar face in Indian households. These roles, while perhaps not as widely discussed as his film work, contributed significantly to his recognition and popularity among television viewers. He also participated in a dance competition show, "Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar" in 2008, showcasing another facet of his talent.

While his initial foray into television provided a solid foundation, Mukul Dev simultaneously ventured into films, making his debut in the 1996 thriller "Dastak" opposite Sushmita Sen. In "Dastak," he played ACP Rohit Malhotra, a police officer protecting Sushmita Sen’s character. Over the years, he built a diverse filmography, showcasing his ability to portray a range of characters. He appeared in films like "Qila" (1998), "Wajood" (1998), and "Kohram" (1999). In later years, he took on supporting roles in successful films such as "Yamla Pagla Deewana" (2011), where he received the 7th Amrish Puri Award for his performance, "Son of Sardaar" (2012), "R... Rajkumar" (2013) and "Jai Ho" (2014). He was also known for his work in Punjabi cinema, with films like "Saka" and "Shareek." His film "Son of Sardaar 2" is slated to release in 2025, which will now be his final film.

News of Mukul Dev's death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and friends in the industry. Actor Arshad Warsi expressed his heartbreak, calling Mukul a "friend, colleague, a wonderful person with a beautiful soul." Ajay Devgn shared a photo of Mukul, 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."

Mukul Dev is survived by his wife Shilpa and daughter Siya. His contributions to Indian cinema and television will be remembered.