What Did Hansal Mehta Feel During His Last Talk with Mukul Dev?

Mumbai, May 25 (NationPress) In a poignant reflection, filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared his thoughts on his final conversation with actor Mukul Dev, who sadly passed away on May 24.

Mehta expressed feeling an intense wave of sadness, loneliness, and disappointment in Mukul's voice during their last talk—a moment that has lingered with him ever since. On Instagram, Hansal posted several photos of Mukul alongside a heartfelt message reflecting on their close friendship, shared struggles, and the untold narratives that shaped the actor's life. In a deeply emotional note, Mehta reminisced about their bond, which grew over time—from gym sessions to creative projects and long conversations filled with both laughter and sorrow.

While sharing photos, the filmmaker wrote, “As the weight of this loss settles in, I realize there’s so much more I wish to express about my friend Mukul. I will miss him profoundly. His booming laughter at our inside jokes, his extraordinary storytelling abilities, that unmistakable voice… He performed in two of my unreleased films and a television show—somehow amidst it all, we became very close. We connected over drinks, broken hearts, and the foolish hope that one day things would make sense. For years, we were gym partners, pushing each other through reps and regrets.”

“Mukul was devastatingly attractive—his presence could illuminate a stadium, and his charm could captivate any room. He possessed what many only dream of: a dream debut, significant directors, and renowned co-stars. He had the looks, the talent, and the background. Yet, his career became a tale of missed chances and near successes—a narrative of what could have been. A series of ‘what ifs,’” he continued.

Mehta elaborated, “And I believe those 'what ifs' gradually eroded his spirit. Quietly, they filled him with feelings of defeat and resignation—an ache that often found its only solace in alcohol. Behind the laughter and bravado was a man wrestling with the dreams that eluded him.”

The veteran filmmaker also disclosed that Mukul had provided him with the story idea for Omertà back in 2003 and expressed pride when his name appeared in the writing credits years later. “He was also a talented writer. He presented me with 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 the contagious excitement when his name appeared in the writing credits. Each 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, and validated. I just wish we had collaborated more.”

Reflecting on their last conversation, Hansal Mehta shared, “The last time we spoke was a few months ago. The same exuberant laugh, the same playful Feroz Khan accent we always used with each other. But beneath the laughter, I sensed something heavier—a quiet sadness, an air of disappointment, a kind of loneliness he never truly revealed. Go well, my beautiful, broken, brilliant friend. Phir milenge.”

Mukul Dev, celebrated for his roles in well-known films such as “Son of Sardaar,” “R... Rajkumar,” and “Jai Ho,” tragically passed away at the age of 54.