Filmmaker Hansal Mehta remembers the late Mukul Dev; says he sensed 'something heavier' the last time they met

Time of India

26-05-2025

'Scam 1992' filmmaker
Hansal Mehta
expresses his grief in a poignant note about the loss of the late actor
Mukul Dev
, reminiscing about the sweet memories. Remembering the anecdotes, Mehta paid homage to Dev and honoured their friendship.
Hansal Mehta and Mukul Dev's friendship
In an
Instagram
post, Hansal Mehta revealed that he had much more to say about the late artist. The 57-year-old wrote, 'I will miss Mukul deeply. His booming laughter at our inside jokes, his unmatched gift for storytelling, that unmistakable voice…'
Furthermore, Mehta revealed that Mukul Dev acted in two of his unreleased films and a TV show, forming an undoubtedly strong bond. 'We bonded over booze, broken hearts, and the foolish hope that things would one day make sense.
For years, we were gym buddies, pushing each other through reps and regrets,' he continued.
Hansal Mehta reveals the tragic career of Mukul Dev
Talking about the actor, Mehta expressed how Mukul Dev's presence 'could light up a stadium, and his charm could hold a room in thrall.' While calling him 'devastatingly handsome,' the filmmaker stated that Dev had a dream of what most people in the entertainment industry dream of - 'a dream launch, big directors, prominent co-stars.'
'He had the look, the talent, the pedigree. But his career became a collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs. A story of what could've been. A string of 'what ifs,'' Hansal Mehta continued.
Talented Mukul Dev wrote '
Omertà
'
Additionally, the 'Scoop' filmmaker also revealed that the late actor was a writer as well, who gave him the story of 'Omertà' back in 2003. 'I remember the joy in his voice when the film was finally made, the pride when he saw it with festival audiences, and that infectious excitement when his name came up in the writing credits.
Every time we spoke, he'd chuckle and say, 'Hansie, kya film banayi yaar. International. Soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki aisi film mein I'd have a writing credit.
This is so good for me,'' Hansal added, stating that the deserved credit made him feel validated and respected.
Hansal Mehta sensed something heavier...
Wishing that they spoke together even more, Hansal stated that he sensed something heavier when they spoke the last time. 'I sensed something heavier—a quiet sadness, an air of disappointment, a kind of loneliness he never really shared,' Hansal said, bidding goodbye to his beautiful friend.
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