Mukul Dev Kaushal (September 17, 1970 – May 23, 2025) was a versatile Indian actor and former model, celebrated for his dynamic performances across Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. His career spanned nearly three decades, during which he became known for portraying a wide range of characters, from intense villains to comedic roles.
Career Highlights
- Film Debut: Mukul made his film debut in 1996 with Dastak, playing ACP Rohit Malhotra alongside Sushmita Sen.
- Notable Films: He appeared in over 60 films, including Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Son of Sardaar (2012), R… Rajkumar (2013), and Jai Ho (2014).
- Television: Mukul began his television career with the serial Mumkin in 1996 and later featured in popular shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kahin Diyaa Jale Kahin Jiyaa. He also hosted the first season of Fear Factor India.
- Awards: He received the 7th Amrish Puri Award for Excellence in Acting for his role in Yamla Pagla Deewana.
Early Life and Aviation Career
Born in New Delhi into a Punjabi family with roots near Jalandhar, Mukul was the younger brother of actor Rahul Dev. Their father, Hari Dev Kaushal, served as an Assistant Commissioner of Police and was fluent in Pashto and Persian. Mukul attended St. Columba’s School in Delhi and later trained as a pilot at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics.
Before entering the entertainment industry, Mukul worked as a commercial pilot and aviation trainer. His transition to acting began when he was spotted by director Mahesh Bhatt, leading to his debut in Dastak.
Personal Life
Mukul married Shilpa Dev, and the couple had a daughter named Sia, born on December 30, 2002. The marriage ended in separation in 2005, after which Shilpa moved out with their daughter. Mukul maintained a close bond with Sia, often sharing moments with her on social media.
He was deeply affected by personal tragedies, including the loss of his parents and the separation from his family, which led him to become increasingly reclusive in his later years.
Passing and Legacy
Mukul Dev passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54 in New Delhi after a brief illness. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues across the film industry, with many remembering him for his versatility and dedication to his craft.
His contributions to Indian cinema and television continue to be celebrated, and his performances remain a testament to his talent and passion for acting.
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