From trained pilot to Bollywood villain: A look at Mukul Dev’s journey

From trained pilot to Bollywood villain: A look at Mukul Dev’s journey

By Entertainment Desk May 24, 2025 

A trained pilot off-screen

Before his acting debut, Mukul worked as a certified commercial pilot for nearly a decade and also ran an aeronautical training institute.

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Early beginning

Mukul Dev began his acting journey in the world of television, where his intense expressions and natural screen presence quickly caught attention.

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TV debut

He made his TV debut in Mumkin playing the role of Vijay Pandey in 1996. He also acted in Doordarshan’s Ek Se Badh Kar Ek.

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Bollywood break

In 1996, Mukul transitioned to Bollywood with Dastak, where he starred opposite Sushmita Sen in her debut. The film helped him enter the mainstream.

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Supporting roles

He appeared in several films, like Qila, Kohram, Wajood and Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao, through late 90s and early 2000s, establishing himself in supporting roles.

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A shift to regional cinema

After triumphing in Bollywood, Mukul ventured into Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, winning praise for his adaptability and screen presence.

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TV and Films in parallel

Despite Bollywood stardom, Mukul never abandoned television and appeared in Gharwali Uparwali, 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897, and Fear Factor India Season 1.

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Reinventing as a villain

In the 2010s, Mukul Dev reinvented himself as a powerful villain in films like Yamla Pagla Deewana and R… Rajkumar, cementing his status in negative roles.

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Last credit

Mukul Dev last appeared in the 2022 mystery thriller Anth The End alongside Divya Dutta, Dev Sharma and Samiksha Bhatnagar.

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Leaving a legacy

Mukul Dev died on May 23, 2025, leaving a lasting impression on the Indian entertainment industry.. Despite his tragic death, his legacy will continue to inspire new artists.

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