Mukul Dev Kaushal (September 17, 1970 – May 23, 2025) was a highly versatile Indian actor whose talent spanned across Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, and Kannada cinema. Known for his commanding screen presence and ability to seamlessly transition between intense villainous roles and comedic timing, Dev left a lasting mark on the Indian entertainment industry.
While the film fraternity deeply felt his tragic passing in 2025, his legacy continues to live on through a rich body of work and his final on-screen appearance.
Who Was Mukul Dev?
Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul Dev Kaushal grew up in a Punjabi family with roots near Jalandhar. Before venturing into the entertainment industry, he trained as a pilot at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi. Despite this background, his early inclination toward performance led him into acting, where he built a career that included over 60 films and numerous prominent television shows.
How Did Mukul Dev Start His Acting Career?
Before making his mark in the entertainment industry, Mukul Dev trained to become a pilot, but destiny steered him toward acting. He made his acting debut in 1995 with the groundbreaking show A Mouthful of Sky, which was India’s first English-language television series.
He quickly transitioned to the silver screen, making his Bollywood debut in the 1996 thriller Dastak alongside Sushmita Sen. Over the decades, he starred in numerous memorable films, including Wajood, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, and R… Rajkumar. In addition to his acting prowess, Dev was also a talented writer; the acclaimed 2018 film Omerta, starring Rajkummar Rao, was notably his brainchild.
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What Was the Net Worth of Mukul Dev?
Throughout his career, spanning nearly three decades across television and multiple regional film industries, Mukul Dev accumulated substantial wealth. According to media reports, Mukul Dev’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing in 2025 was around $5 million, which translates to approximately ₹42 crore.
His earnings primarily stemmed from his extensive work in films, brand endorsements, and television reality shows, including hosting Fear Factor India Season 1 and participating in Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar.
Who Are Mukul Dev’s Family Members?
Born in New Delhi to a police commissioner father, Mukul Dev came from a disciplined and well-respected family. His brother is the renowned model and actor Rahul Dev, with whom he shared a close bond.
Mukul was previously married to Shilpa Dev, though the couple parted ways and divorced in 2005. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Sia Dev, whom he often proudly celebrated on his social media.
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What Is Mukul Dev’s Last Movie?
Fans will get to witness Mukul Dev’s brilliance on the big screen one last time in the upcoming action-comedy film Udta Teer, scheduled for a posthumous theatrical release on October 9, 2026.
3. It’s going to be the last film of the late actor Mukul Dev. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BicqkphO1H
— Bollywood Talkies (@bolly_talkies) September 24, 2026
In Udta Teer, Dev plays a significant and action-packed role as a Pakistani terrorist, facing off against the lead actor, Ayushmann Khurrana. During the film’s trailer launch in September 2026, the cast and crew paid emotional tributes to the late actor. Ayushmann Khurrana referred to the performance as Dev’s “swan song” and stated that the Indian film industry had sadly underutilized his brilliant talent. Director Aakash Kaushik also promised fans that Udta Teer features arguably the best work of Mukul Dev’s entire career.
What Were His Final Years and Cause of Death?
In his later career, Dev continued to act, notably shooting for Son of Sardaar 2 and Udta Teer. Sadly, Mukul Dev fell ill in May 2025 and was hospitalized. Despite being moved to the ICU, his condition worsened, and he passed away in New Delhi on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54. His death marked the end of a highly versatile career that bridged multiple eras of Indian cinema and television.
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