Why Mukul Dev suffered from years of hidden pain and sadness? Hansal Mehta, his friend and gym buddy, breaks silence

Time of India

25-05-2025

Booze, Broken Hearts, and Gym Reps
Missed Chances and Lingering Regret
Mukuk's Final Chapter
Tributes Pour In
Actor Mukul Dev's passing at the age of 54 shocked fans and colleagues across the industry. While the news was sudden, those closest to him, including filmmaker Hansal Mehta, say the signs of his inner struggles were always there — buried under charm, laughter, and unfulfilled dreams.In an emotional Instagram post, Mehta, who had worked with Mukul in multiple projects, reflected on a friendship built not just on creative collaborations, but also on shared pain. 'Mukul was devastatingly handsome—his presence could light up a stadium, his charm could hold a room in thrall,' Mehta wrote. Despite this, Mehta described his career as 'a collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs. A story of what could've been. A string of 'what ifs'.'Their relationship went beyond work. Mehta recalled how the two bonded over personal losses and hopes that things would eventually make sense. '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 wrote.He also recalled Mukul's distinct laughter, storytelling prowess, and voice. These lighter moments, though frequent, often masked a deeper sadness. 'Behind the laughter and bravado was a man struggling to reconcile with the dreams that eluded him,' Mehta added.Despite a promising debut and significant roles in television and films like Son of Sardaar, R... Rajkumar, and Jai Ho, Mukul's career never quite soared. Mehta believed the constant setbacks took a toll. 'I think those what ifs chipped away at his spirit. Slowly, quietly, they filled him with a sense of defeat and resignation—an ache that often found its only solace in booze.'This quiet ache seemed to have intensified in recent years. Recalling their final conversation, Mehta said Mukul's signature humor remained intact, but he sensed a 'quiet sadness, an air of disappointment, a kind of loneliness he never really shared.'Mukul was more than just an actor — he was also a writer. In 2003, he gave Mehta the story idea for Omertà, which was eventually made years later. When the film was finally screened and his writing credit appeared, Mukul found a rare moment of validation. '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.' That credit made him feel seen. Respected. Validated,' Mehta wrote.Mukul Dev had been hospitalized in Delhi for over a week before passing away. His friend and co-star Vindu Dara Singh revealed that Mukul had become more withdrawn after the deaths of his parents. 'He used to drink a lot and would have gutkha… He battled loneliness,' Vindu told Times of India TV, adding that Mukul was very close to his family, especially his parents.Vindu recalled their upcoming film Son of Sardaar 2, where Mukul played a key role. 'He had an amazing role… But unfortunately, he will not be around to enjoy the success and see the love,' he said.The film industry mourned the loss with heartfelt tributes. Actor Manoj Bajpayee called him a 'brother in spirit,' while Ajay Devgn wrote, 'You had a way of making everything lighter, even on the heaviest days.' Deepshikha Nagpal, shocked by the news, remembered calling his phone in disbelief.Mukul Dev's life was layered — filled with talent, potential, and moments of brilliance, but also marked by quiet suffering and longing for recognition. As Hansal Mehta wrote in farewell, 'Go well, my beautiful, broken, brilliant friend. Phir milenge.'