Salman Khan pays tribute to Mukul Dev after his demise, joining fans and the film industry in mourning the loss of the respected actor who died at 54 in New Delhi on May 23, 2025. Mukul Dev, known for roles across Hindi, Punjabi and Telugu cinema, left behind a legacy in acting and a deep impact on his colleagues, making his passing especially hard on those who knew him, including his ‘Jai Ho’ co-star Salman Khan.
Veteran Actor Mukul Dev Passes Away at 54
Mukul Dev, who established himself in the Indian film and television industries, succumbed after a brief illness, although the precise cause of death has not been formally disclosed. His health worsened on May 23, 2025, leading to his passing. The news sent waves of grief across the industry as friends, fellow actors, and fans struggled to come to terms with this significant loss. Born and raised in Delhi to a Punjabi family, Mukul left a considerable impression through his decades-long career in cinema and television.
Salman Khan Remembers His ‘Jai Ho’ Co-Star
Salman Khan, who shared the screen with Mukul Dev in the 2014 film ‘Jai Ho’, was visibly moved by the loss. Mukul portrayed the primary antagonist in the film, holding his own opposite Salman, known as ‘Bhaijaan’ to many fans. To express his sorrow and pay homage, Salman posted a poignant message on his Instagram story, featuring an intense onscreen moment between the two actors as a testament to their collaborative history.
“Miss you my dear brother Mukul. Rest in Peace”
—Salman Khan, Actor
This public tribute reflected the camaraderie and mutual respect that existed between the two, shedding light on the bonds that are often formed on set and beyond. The message resonated deeply with fans, who also took to social media to share their condolences and memories of Mukul Dev’s roles.
Family Bids Farewell at Emotional Funeral in Delhi
Mukul Dev’s last rites were held on May 24, 2025, at the Lodhi Crematorium in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi. The funeral was marked by visible heartbreak, with the actor’s family—including his brother Rahul Dev, sister Rashmi Kaushal, and nephew Sidhant Dev—gathering to perform the ceremonial duties and mourn the loss of their loved one. Emotional scenes unfolded as family members consoled each other, reflecting on Mukul’s life both on and off the screen.
“Our brother Mukul Dev passed away peacefully at New Delhi last night… He’s survived by his daughter Sia Dev. Missed by siblings Rashmi Kaushal, Rahul Dev and nephew Sidhant Dev. Please join us for cremation at 5 PM.”
—Rahul Dev, Actor
The large turnout at the funeral, coupled with heartfelt tributes online, showed just how many lives Mukul touched during his career and personal life. Fans and colleagues alike recounted their fondest memories, praising both his acting skills and warmth as a person. The sense of loss was palpable among industry friends, many of whom remembered Mukul not just as an artist, but as a cherished companion.
Mukul Dev’s Rich Legacy in Film and Television
Mukul Dev made his acting debut in 1996 with the television series ‘Mumkin,’ where he played the role of Vijay Pandey. He quickly established himself as a versatile actor through performances in shows such as ‘Gharwali Uparwali’, ‘Kasshish’, ‘Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai’, and ‘Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan’. Mukul’s screen presence was defined by his adaptability and depth, leading him to play a wide variety of characters across genres in both television and film.
Switching to movies, Mukul became a recognizable face in Bollywood and regional cinema alike. One of his significant early film roles was as ACP Rohit Malhotra in ‘Dastak’, a movie that is also remembered for featuring Sushmita Sen, the former Miss Universe, in her Bollywood debut. Mukul appeared in commercial hits like ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’, ‘Son of Sardaar’, ‘R… Rajkumar’, and of course, ‘Jai Ho’. He was also seen in the Doordarshan countdown show ‘Ek Se Badh Kar Ek’ and took on the role of host for the inaugural season of ‘Fear Factor India’. His willingness to go “skin deep” into every character established him as an actor with both range and dedication.
Across television and cinema, Mukul worked alongside a variety of talents and created memorable moments, whether in suspenseful thrillers, dramatic family sagas, or reality TV. His ability to transition smoothly between villainous roles, authority figures, and everyday characters made him a well-respected, if underrated, presence in the industry. Notably, his performance as a villain in ‘Jai Ho’ allowed him to share significant screen time with Salman Khan, resulting in a partnership that resonated with fans.
A Life Beyond the Screen: Mukul Dev’s Aviation Journey
Beyond his work in film and television, Mukul Dev was known for his passion for aviation—a rare background among actors. He earned his commercial pilot’s license from the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, located in Uttar Pradesh. For about a decade, Mukul flew professionally, and he later established his own aeronautical training institute in Delhi. Balancing his artistic pursuits with his love for flying, Mukul managed to keep his passion for aviation alive throughout his life, demonstrating discipline and commitment in both fields.
His achievements outside the entertainment industry highlighted a multifaceted personality, admired not only for his creativity and performance but also for his drive to pursue multiple ambitions. Family members and friends have often mentioned his diligence in managing such different vocations, underlining an uncommon blend of talent and determination.
An Outpouring of Grief and Remembrance
The Indian film fraternity and Mukul Dev’s fans reflected on his passing with heavy hearts, sharing tributes online and recalling his varied roles in both television and film. Many spoke of his gentle nature and professionalism, with several colleagues from past projects including Salman Khan and Rahul Dev expressing deep sorrow.
During and after the funeral, the family continued to receive support and condolences from people who admired Mukul’s journey—from his first TV appearance as Vijay Pandey to becoming the antagonist in high-profile movies. As fans reminisced about their favorite characters played by Mukul, his contribution to the industry stood out, showing that performance and kindness can leave a lasting impression on the world.
The Lasting Impact of Mukul Dev’s Career and Personality
Salman Khan pays tribute to Mukul Dev after his demise, symbolizing the respect Mukul commanded among his peers. Yet, the loss is felt far beyond a single set or film. Rahul Dev, Rashmi Kaushal, and the extended family’s public grief underline how Mukul’s influence stretched from his home to the hearts of countless viewers.
As the curtain falls on Mukul Dev’s journey, his legacy—rooted in a lifetime of performances, aviation achievements, and human kindness—remains indelible. The tributes from industry icons like Salman Khan and from his family form a testament to his character, ensuring he is remembered not just as an actor or a pilot, but as someone who inspired both on screen and in real life. With his daughter Sia Dev and numerous relatives continuing his story, Mukul Dev’s memory will live on through both his professional contributions and the lives he touched.
