Rahul Dev Clarifies Brother Mukul Dev's Cause Of Death: 'He Stopped Eating, Felt Lonely & Had Lost Interest In Life'

Actor Mukul Dev's sudden death on May 23 sent shockwaves through the film industry. In an interview, his brother, actor Rahul Dev addressed the speculation surrounding his demise and put to rest rumours that he was battling depression.

During a conversation with Times of India, Rahul revealed that Mukul’s deteriorating health was due to poor eating habits and not mental health issues, as many had suggested online.

"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," Rahul said, adding, "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 shared that Mukul had moved to Delhi in 2019 to take care of their ailing father, who passed away the same year. The loss of their mother in 2023 further deepened his isolation.

According to Rahul, Mukul withdrew from the limelight, immersed himself in writing, and became increasingly reclusive. He also noted that Mukul missed his daughter and he wasn't taking care of himself. He stated that living alone only worsened the situation.

Following Mukul's death, social media was abuzz with reports suggesting he had been struggling with depression. Rahul, however, dismissed these claims. He said, "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?"

Remembering his brother, Rahul added, "I want to remember Mukul not as the man who faded away, but as the super charming, intelligent, and sensitive person he truly was."

On the work front, Mukul made his acting debut in 1996 with the film, Dastak, opposite Sushmita Sen. He later starred in several movies including Jai Ho with Salman Khan, Himmatwala, Mere Do Anmol Ratan, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R... Rajkumar, and Bhaag Johny, among others.

He was also a well-established face on television with shows like Mumkin, Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai, and Kumkum - Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, among others. If reports are to be believed, he was set to make a comeback in Bollywood with Ajay Devgn's Son Of Sardaar 2, also starring Mrunal Thakur.