Lesser Known Facts About Mukul Dev: Trained Pilot, Fluent In Persian, Debut With Sushmita Sen

On May 24, 2025, Bollywood actor and model, Mukul Dev passed away at the age of 54, leaving a void in the film industry. He was most popularly known for his comic character, 'Tony Sandhu', in Son of Sardaar, where he shared the screen with Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, and Sonakshi Sinha. Apart from Bollywood, the late actor also made a name for himself in the Punjabi, Telugu, and Bengali industries. 

However, many facets of Mukul Dev's life were not well known to the public. He was well-versed with many other talents that went beyond the acting world. As people pay their heartfelt tribute to the departed actor, here are some lesser-known facts about him that show why he was a versatile person. Read on to know more. 

Mukul Dev was introduced to Afghan culture as a child and became fluent in Pashto and Persian 

Mukul Dev was born to Assistant Police Commissioner, Hari Singh in New Delhi. Growing up in a Punjabi family, he was exposed to Afghan culture as a child by his father, who was fluent in Pashto and Persian. The actor was also taught both these languages and became fluent. In an interview with IANS, Mukul had revealed that for his role of 'Gul Badhash' in the television series 21 Sarfarosh - Saragarhi 1897, he had taken his father's help to get the diction right for his Pashtun/Afghan character. For this role, he received the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role (Jury). 

Mukul Dev was a trained pilot, who flew commercial planes for a decade 

Mukul Dev was not a trained actor but had always wanted to be in front of the camera. However, before making his on-screen debut, he was a trained pilot. In the same interview, Mukul revealed that he had studied at a pilot training institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi in Uttar Pradesh. He ran an aeronautical training institute and worked as a commercial pilot for nearly a decade. Talking fondly about his days as a trainee in the institute, Mukul Dev said: 

"I went to a pilot training institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, which is in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. There, I was famous for mimicry and comedy. I used to mimic Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna."

Mukul Dev got his first paycheque in Class 8, and later made his film debut opposite Sushmita Sen 

Mukul Dev had won in a dance show organised by Doordarshan when he was in 8th standard. He had impersonated Michael Jackson on the show and made his first paycheque. Several years later, he made both his film and TV debut in 1996. Mukul starred opposite Sushmita Sen in Mahesh Bhatt's film called, Dastak. The film marked the debut of both the main leads. In the same year, he made his TV debut with Doordarshan's show, Ek Se Bhad Kar Ek. 

Mukul Dev had acted in negative roles in many iconic TV shows, especially with Balaji Telefilms 

Apart from being a familiar face in Bollywood and Punjabi movies, he was popular for his portrayal of negative characters in iconic Indian TV soap operas. He also worked on nearly five Balaji Telefilms projects, such as Kutumb, Kya Hadsa Kya Haqeeqat, K. Street Pali Hill, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, and Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar. His role as the mysterious 'Vijay Agarwal' in Ekta Kapoor's popular show Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki made the actor a household name. 

Mukul Dev was related to popular Bollywood actor, Rahul Dev 

While Mukul Dev was well known for his negative roles in TV shows, his brother Rahul Dev has made a name for himself as one of the most popular villains in many Bollywood movies. The brothers duo have worked together on a few films. Their last film together was Pagalpanti, released in 2018. Another film, 2006 Varanasi: The Untold, starring both the Dev brothers, was supposed to be released in the same year but was shelved. Talking to IANS, Mukul Dev had expressed his desire to work with his brother, Rahul Dev, again and said: 

"We talk about our respective experiences while performing a particular character and the challenges faced by us. I would love to do a project with my brother as we share a bond with each other. "

Mukul Dev's last on-screen appearance was in 2022 

Mukul Dev had last appeared in a Hindi-drama film called, Anth The End. Directed by K.S Malhotra, he starred opposite Divya Dutta in the film. As per a Bollywood Hungama report, the film was a dud at the box office and collected Rs. 0.1 crore only. Apart from this, he also acted in the popular Zee5 web series, State of Siege: 26/11. Despite portrayals of villainous characters in TV shows, films, and web series, Mukul Dev's most popular and iconic role is that of the comic character, 'Tony Sandhu' in Son of Sardaar. As per sources, the actor had last acted in Son of Sardaar 2, which will mark his last appearance on the big screen post his demise. 

Mukul Dev passed away while reportedly battling health issues

The grieving Dev family has yet to reveal the exact cause of the death of Mukul Dev. However, as per reports, the actor was plagued by health issues and had been admitted to the hospital before his passing. Son of Sardaar 2 co-star, Vindu Dara Singh revealed that the actor was 'depressed' following his mother's death and was not looking after his own health properly. Taking to his X, formerly Twitter, handle, Vindu Dara Singh penned down: 

"Rest in peace my brother #MukulDev ! The time spent with you will always be cherished and #SonOfSardaar2 will be your swansong where you will spread joy and happiness to the viewers and make them fall down laughing !"

Rest in Peace, Mukul Dev.

Also Read: Mukul Dev's Last IG Post Before Death Spoke Of 'Dark Forebodings', Penned, 'If Your Head Explodes..'

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