Hansal Mehta on the passing of Mukul Dev
We lost a very dear friend, Mukul Dev, on Friday, May 23. He had not been well for some time. I will miss him deeply. His loud laughter at our inside jokes, his powerful voice, and his amazing storytelling will always stay with me. He acted in two of my unreleased films and a TV show. While working together, we became very close friends.
We shared a bond over many things—drinks, heartbreaks, and that silly hope that life would make sense one day. For years, we went to the gym together, motivating each other through reps and regrets.
Mukul was not just good-looking—he was extremely handsome. His presence could fill up a room, and his charm could keep everyone listening. He had everything an actor could dream of: a big launch, top directors, and well-known co-stars. He had the talent, the looks, and even the right background.
But somehow, success didn’t stay with him. His career turned into a journey of missed chances and close calls. A series of ‘what ifs’. I feel these missed chances slowly broke his spirit. Quietly, they made him feel defeated. Many times, he found comfort only in alcohol. (Also Read: Health Issues After Mothers Death Confirmed by Vindu Dara Singh)
My handsome friend Mukul. Gone too soon. Words fail the grief I feel right now at the loss of an unrealised talent, an underrated actor, a writer whose amazing stories will remain untold and a very dear friend. A deep personal loss. pic.twitter.com/mxcKkLf9oQ
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) May 24, 2025
Mukul always looked cheerful, but behind that smile was a man who was hurting. He was trying to come to terms with the dreams that never came true. Not many people know, but he was also a talented writer. He gave me the story of Omertà back in 2003. I still remember how happy he was when the film was finally made. He was proud to see it with festival audiences, and he was thrilled when he saw his name in the writing credits.
Every time we spoke after that, he would laugh and say, “Hansie, kya film banayi yaar. International! Soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki aisi film mein mera writing credit hoga. Bahut achha laga.” That one credit made him feel respected and valued. I only wish we had worked on more projects together.
The last time I spoke to Mukul was a few months ago. He was laughing in his usual style, using that fake Feroz Khan accent we always joked about. But I could feel there was something heavier behind his laughter—a sadness, a feeling of disappointment, a kind of loneliness that he never talked about openly.
Goodbye, my beautiful, broken, and brilliant friend. We will meet again. Phir milenge.