Mukul Dev's Journey: From Struggles to a Notable Comeback in Bollywood
Mukul Dev's Early Career and Challenges
Mukul Dev, the brother of model-actor Rahul Dev, first appeared on screen alongside Sushmita Sen in Vikram Bhatt's film Dastak nearly three decades ago. However, his career took a downturn as he became lost in a series of forgettable roles.
Despite his talent, his performances in films like Girish Malik's Jal and Samir Karnik's Yamla Pagla Deewana went largely unnoticed.
A Remarkable Comeback
After a significant hiatus, Mukul made a striking return in Ashwin Dheer's Son Of Sardaar, where he portrayed a humorous, dimwitted cousin to Sanjay Dutt's character. This role, although not central, garnered him enough acclaim to catch the attention of his original director.
He was subsequently cast as the main antagonist in Vikram Bhatt's Bhaag Johnny, where he was set to play a Pakistani police officer. To prepare for this role, Mukul was expected to observe the police operations in Karachi, a challenging task given the tense relations between India and Pakistan.
Innovative Preparation for a Complex Role
Vikram Bhatt devised an alternative plan: if Mukul couldn't travel to Pakistan, he would bring in experts from across the border to train him in the nuances of Pakistani law enforcement.
Mukul expressed his commitment to his craft, stating, “I am willing to do whatever it takes to perfect my role. I am open to any character, but it feels like the industry has overlooked me. Vikram has a clear vision, and I trust his direction. We aim to create a villain in Bhaag Johnny that stands out from typical grey characters in Hindi cinema.”
Reflections on His Career
In Bhaag Johnny, directed by Shivam Nair, Mukul delivered a powerful performance as ACP Pathan, yet opportunities remained scarce.
His comedic portrayal of Tony Singh Sandhu in Son Of Sardaar was a highlight, earning him significant applause.
Grateful for the renewed attention from his role in SOS, Mukul remarked, “I feel fortunate. Who gets a second chance this late in their career? At 40, I reflect on my earlier reckless decisions and am relieved to see my career come full circle with Vikram, my first director.”
Personal Life and Optimism
Mukul's journey has not been without its challenges, including a difficult divorce. However, he remains optimistic, stating, “The silver lining is my daughter Siya, who is my everything. She lives in Delhi with her mother, and I make it a point to visit her as often as I can. Thankfully, my home in Delhi makes it easier for us to stay connected.”
Despite the struggles he faced, Mukul Dev maintained a positive outlook, feeling that he never received the recognition he deserved. Now, he hopes it’s not too late for his career resurgence.