Rahul Dev Breaks Silence on Brother Mukul Dev’s Sudden Death, Addresses Speculation

Actor Mukul Dev passed away on May 23 in New Delhi at the age of 54. While the cause of death was not initially disclosed, sparking widespread speculation, his brother, actor Rahul Dev, has now clarified the circumstances behind the loss.

In an interview with The Times of India, Rahul revealed that Mukul’s deteriorating health was largely due to poor eating habits, not depression as many had assumed.

Rahul Breaks Silence on Mukul’s Final Days

Following days of speculation, Rahul shared that Mukul had been admitted to the ICU and remained there for over eight days. He explained that in the days leading up to his death, Mukul had completely stopped eating.

“He was in the ICU for eight and a half days. Medically, it was a result of poor eating habits. In the last four-five days, he had stopped eating altogether. Of course, he felt lonely, and he had lost interest in life… He would turn down several work offers… Only now, after completing all the rituals, is the reality sinking in — and I know the pain will only deepen,” Rahul said.

Living in Isolation Since 2019

Rahul revealed that Mukul had moved to Delhi in 2019 to care for their ailing father, who died later that year. Their mother passed away in 2023. During this period, Mukul gradually became more reclusive.

According to Rahul, Mukul immersed himself in writing but struggled emotionally due to personal losses and separation from his daughter.

Living alone, coupled with the grief of losing both parents, took a significant toll on him. “He wasn’t looking after himself, and living alone didn’t help,” Rahul said.

Addressing the Depression Rumours

Reacting to the reports that claimed Mukul was suffering from depression, Rahul expressed frustration at people who commented on his brother’s state without having been in touch.

“The people who are speaking out now weren’t even in touch with him. They say he was unfit, but he ran half-marathons. Yes, he had gained weight — when someone stops caring about themselves, it shows… Who really stayed in touch with him between 2019 and 2024? Did they visit him when he was in the hospital or attend his prayer meet?” he said.

Rahul further pointed out that Mukul had recently shot in England for Son of Sardaar 2, proving that he was still working and not physically incapable. “No one will cast you if you’re not fit,” he added.

A Career Spanning Films and Television

Mukul Dev had an expansive career across both television and cinema. He was known for roles in popular TV series like Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh… Phir Koi Hai, and Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan.

He also acted in Bollywood films such as Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R… Rajkumar, and Jai Ho. His final film, Son of Sardaar 2, is yet to be released. Mukul’s sudden demise sent shockwaves across the industry and among fans.

A Life Marked by Loneliness and Withdrawal

Rahul shared how Mukul’s divorce and the absence of his daughter in his life further deepened his isolation. “He felt lonely, and he had lost interest in life. Usko zindagi jeene ka jazba nahi tha,” Rahul said.

Despite his encouragement, Mukul would reject film offers and gradually withdrew from public life. Rahul admitted that whenever he tried to confront Mukul about his declining health, Mukul would start avoiding him.

Reflecting on their earlier days, Rahul said that while Mukul was the more outgoing and charming of the two, he ended up spending his final years in solitude.

“And the irony is, someone so naturally social ended up so alone. He never remarried or tried again,” he said.

Rahul on Coping with Grief

Rahul also shared that he has now lost his wife, his father, and his brother — all in the month of May. With the rituals now complete, he said the reality of the loss is beginning to settle in. Yet, Rahul is clear about how he wants to remember his brother.

“He was not a bechara,” he stated. “I want to remember him not as the man who faded away, but as the super charming, intelligent, and sensitive person he truly was.”