I am lucky to get a second chance so late in my career: Mukul Dev

There is bromance brewing between director Vikram Bhatt and actor Mukul Dev. Both of them are single parents with a daughter they just can’t do without. Vikram and Mukul who started their careers together in films 16 years ago are now bonding big-time over parenting issues. Remember Mukul Dev, model-actor Rahul Dev’s elder brother who made his debut alongside Sushmita Sen as a leading man in Vikram Bhatt’s Dastak 16 years ago, and then lost his way in a maze of forgettable films? All but lost to show-world Mukul Dev made an impressive comeback in Ashwin Dhir’s Son Of Sardaar where he was a scream as a clunk, a goofy dimwitted cousin in Sanjay Dutt’s family. Though not a pivotal role it has fetched Mukul enough praise to get him noticed by his first director. Mukul has been signed to play the main antagonist in Vikram Bhatt’s Bhaag Johnny Bhaag. Mukul plays a Pakistani cop. And since Pakistani cops dress, speak and behave differently from their Indian counterparts, producer Vikram Bhatt wants Mukul to spend time in Karachi to observe the workings of their police department. A tough task, considering the precarious relations between the two countries. But Vikram has an alternative plan in mind. If Mukul won’t be allowed into Pakistan, Bhatt would invite experts from across the border to come over and coach Mukul. Says Mukul, “Vikram has it all planned. I just need to go by his decisions. We both feel we want my villain’s character in Bhaag Johnny Bhaag to be unlike any grey character seen in Hindi films.” Delighted at the attention SOS has got him, Mukul Dev just can’t stop thanking his stars. “I guess I am just lucky. Or else who gets a second chance so late in one’s career? I am 40 now. When I started in film I was young, reckless and a bit over-confident. I made wrong career choices. But today I’m happy to say my career has come a full circle with. I am back working with Vikram who was my first director. Though Prashant Chedha is directing Bhaag Johnny Bhaag and Vikram is producing it.” Mukul would play the main antagonist in the film. Says the actor, “I went to Vikram with my long hair and beard thinking I was the coolest dude. He told me to get rid of the look. He wants me to play the villain without the usual props.” The past few years haven’t been a joyride for Mukul. Six years ago he went through a messy divorce. “But the good part is that I have a daughter Siya who’s my life and reason to live. She stays in Delhi with her mother. I try to visit her as frequently as possible. Since I have a home in Delhi and since Siya and her mother stay close by it is not as difficult for father and daughter to be together as it seems,” says Mukul feelingly.