On May 23, 2025, Mukul Dev, renowned for his role as Tony Sandhu in Son of Sardaar and acclaimed performances across Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, and Bengali cinema, passed away, leaving an unmistakable mark across multiple film industries. Amid heartfelt tributes, a little-known chapter in his career resurfaced: before his trademark debut in Mahesh Bhatt’s Dastak, Mukul Dev was originally set to launch his Bollywood journey with Amitabh Bachchan’s production company, ABCL—a project that, despite being completed, was never released.
An Unexpected Call from Jaya Bachchan
Not many knew about Mukul Dev’s near-debut under Amitabh Bachchan’s banner until he shared the story in an interview with Lehren TV. He described receiving a surprising phone call from Jaya Bachchan herself, who offered him his debut role through ABCL. Mukul, then new to the industry, was momentarily incredulous, remarking:
“Kaun bol raha hai? Mere saath mazak kyon kar rahe hai?”
—Mukul Dev, Actor
Receiving the Opportunity and the First Signing Amount
After the phone conversation, Mukul Dev met with Jaya Bachchan to discuss the offer in person. He learned that ABCL (Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited) planned to produce three films, and while they were unsure which one he would feature in, he was assured a lead role in at least one. Jaya Bachchan gave him Rs. 75,000 as a signing amount—a significant milestone as it marked his first professional income. Mukul recounted this meeting:
“My first income was Rs. 75,000 and they were given by Jaya Bachchan for the ABCL film. When she met me she had said, ‘I want to sign you. We are making three films and you are doing at least one film with us among the three films that we are producing. I don’t know which of these films you will do but you will do a film with us.’”
—Mukul Dev, Actor
The Making and Cancellation of ‘Naam Kya Hai’
The film that Mukul Dev signed on for with ABCL was titled Naam Kya Hai. The production, featuring Mukul in the lead, reached completion and was prepared for release. However, financial struggles affected ABCL during that era, leading to the shelving of Naam Kya Hai along with other planned films. In sharing his disappointment and the reality of the industry’s uncertainties, Mukul explained:
“Yes, the film was complete but it could never get a release for itself. ABCL was going through a financial crisis and a couple of other films that were produced by the company during that time did not release.”
—Mukul Dev, Actor
From an Unreleased Debut to ‘Dastak’ with Mahesh Bhatt
Fate soon intervened positively for Mukul Dev. Even though his intended debut with ABCL did not make it to the silver screen, the promotional material for Naam Kya Hai which aired on television caught the eye of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Impressed by Mukul’s potential, Bhatt cast him in the 1996 film Dastak alongside Sushmita Sen, which effectively served as the launchpad for both lead actors. This film, released under Bhatt’s direction, became Mukul Dev’s official debut and opened the door to further opportunities in the industry. Both Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan’s faith in Mukul’s talent played an indirect but important role in his eventual recognition.
Mukul Dev’s Impact Across Film and Television
Mukul Dev’s journey did not stop at his film debut. Over the years, he gained recognition for his diverse portrayals, excelling particularly in negative roles in popular Hindi television series such as Mumkin, Kutumb, and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. He also delivered memorable performances in major films including Son of Sardaar and Jai Ho. His last appearance, completed before his passing, will be seen posthumously in Son of Sardaar 2. Mukul’s perseverance through setbacks, such as the unreleased ABCL project, underscored his determination and the eventual reach of his career.
Legacy of a Versatile Performer
The story of how the Amitabh Bachchan production company signed Mukul Dev for his debut, only for that film to remain unreleased, adds a significant anecdote to the late actor’s legacy. Despite setbacks early in his Bollywood career, Mukul Dev’s resilience led him to a successful path through Mahesh Bhatt’s guidance and a wide array of roles across cinema and television. His experience highlights not only the unpredictability within the film industry but also the importance of perseverance and recognition of talent, as demonstrated by the involvement of both Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan at a pivotal time in his life. Even in absence, Mukul Dev’s work continues to resonate, and his story serves as a reminder of hidden chapters behind celebrated careers.
