Hubbry Logo
Rahul DevRahul DevMain
Open search
Rahul Dev
Community hub
Rahul Dev
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Rahul Dev
Rahul Dev
Rahul Dev
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Rahul Dev Kaushal (born 27 September 1968) is an Indian actor and former model who predominantly works in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali and Odia language films[1][2] He also participated in Bigg Boss (Hindi season 10) and was evicted on day 63.[3][4]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Rahul Dev Kaushal was born on 27 September 1968 in New Delhi, India into a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family with ancestral roots in a village in Jalandhar district.[5]

Rahul Dev and his younger brother, Mukul Dev, were born to Hari Dev, who was an Assistant Commissioner of Police.[6] Hari Dev died on April 17, 2019 at the age of 91.[7] Their Punjab-born father had exposed the brothers to Afghan culture and could himself speak both Pashto and Farsi.[8]

Dev was educated at the St. Columba's School, Delhi.[9]

In 1993, while in his final year of college studying to be an engineer, he was discovered by fashion designer Rohit Khosla, who encouraged him to pursue modeling, a path he chose in 1994.[9]

He also has a sister, Rashmi.

Career

[edit]

Model

[edit]

Dev was one of the top Indian male models of the 1990s, itself considered the best decade for Indian male models. For his professional work he often switched between Delhi and Mumbai, where had moved in 1996. He featured in ad commercials for important brands such as Tata and Raymond as well lifestyle and entertainment magazines.[10]

Dev started his career as a professional model in 1994 and retired from modeling in 2002 to focus more on acting.[9]

Actor

[edit]

Films

[edit]

Dev made his screen debut in the 2000 film Champion where he played a villainous role for which he was nominated for the 2001 Filmfare Best Villain Award. He then moved into Malayalam cinema, playing the role of an assassin Sheik Imran in Amal Neerad's Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded. (2009). He also appeared as a villain in the Punjabi movie Dharti in 2011. Two years later, he made a comeback with Sringaravelan. He appeared in Bhojpuri film Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se 2 in 2018.[11]

Television

[edit]

In December 2013, Dev made his television debut, playing the role of the demon Arunasur in the mythological TV series Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev.[12]

Personal life

[edit]

Relationships and family

[edit]

Dev's wife Rina died of cancer on 16 May 2009. The couple had been married for 11 years and have a son, Siddhant.[13] Dev has spoken about the experience of being a single father.[14] As of 2020 he was in a relationship with model and actress Mugdha Godse.[15]

Business ventures

[edit]

In 1994, when he became a model, Dev also opened his own company, Rap Overseas, producing and exporting leather garments.[9]

Cricket

[edit]

An enthusiast of cricket in his youth, Dev represented Delhi at under-19 level and was coached by the influential Gurcharan Singh.[9]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Language Notes
2000 Champion Naseer Ahmed Hindi [16]
2001 Aashiq Baburao [17]
Asoka Bheema [citation needed]
Indian Pratap Sinha [18]
Narasimha Rasool Akhtar Tamil
Akasa Veedhilo Terrorist Telugu
2002 Takkari Donga Shaka Telugu [19]
Chalo Ishq Ladaaye Raja Hindi [20]
23 March 1931: Shaheed Sukhdev
Awara Paagal Deewana Vikrant Prasad
2003 Parasuram Shankaran Kutti/Akash Tamil
Kyon? Inspector Aditya Solanki Hindi
Supari Papad
88 Antop Hill IGP Arvind Khanvilkar
Simhadri Bala Nair Telugu
Footpath Shekhar Srivastav Hindi
Seetayya Chandra Naidu Telugu
2004 Omkara Khaan Kannada
Agnipankh Vishal Hindi
Bardaasht Corrupt ACP Yeshwant Thakur
Aan: Men at Work Baba Yeda Pathan / Yeda Bhai
Andhrawala Dhanraj Telugu
Mass Seshu/Shatru
Vidyardhi Salim Ibrahim
2005 Insan Azhar Khan/Munna Hindi
Narasimhudu JD's son Telugu
Athadu Sadhu
Mazhai Deva Tamil
Allari Pidugu J. K. Telugu
Jai Chiranjeeva Asghar
2006 Fight Club – Members Only Sandy Hindi
Asthram Karim Telugu
Jaane Hoga Kya? Special Investigations Officer Rathore Hindi
Kachchi Sadak Javed Ali
Iqraar by Chance Sikka
Chinnodu Sri Sailam Telugu
Seetha Raamudu Ramulu
Sarhad Paar Bakatawar Hindi
Pournami Veerabhadra Telugu
Shree Shetty Kannada
2007 Mahanayak Ranjit Odia
Soundarya Prakash Kannada
Okkadunnadu Sona Bhai's nephew Telugu
Muni Mastan Bhai Tamil
Munna Aatma Telugu
Cape Karma Manav Hindi
Tulasi Basavaraju Telugu
2008 D Raj Hindi
Bindaas D Kannada
Jimmy ACP Rajeshwar Vyas Hindi
Bombaat Das Kannada
Arasangam Chandru Tamil
Mukhbiir Saaya Hindi
Bank Telugu
Sankat City Suleman Supari Hindi
Kidnap Irfan
U Me Aur Hum Jeetu
2009 Shatru Sanghar Rahul Odia
Mestri Telugu
Premi No. 1 Ranjit Odia
Aa Dekhen Zara Captain Hindi
Kal Kissne Dekha Marshal
Sweet Heart Telugu
Sagar Alias Jackie Reloaded Sheikh Imran (Sniper) Malayalam
Yodha Kannada
Aadhavan Abdul Kulkarni Tamil
Blue Gulshan Samnani Hindi
2010 Shaapit Prof. Pashupathy
2011 Run Bhola Run
Veera Dhanraj Telugu
Dhada R.D.
Dharti Natchaar Singh Punjabi
2012 Mirza The Untold Story Jeet
Lovely David Telugu
Dhammu Police Officer
2013 Shadow Jeeva
Naayak Babji
Sringaravelan Vikram Malayalam
Bhai Bhavani Telugu
Rangbaaz Lucky Vai Bengali
2014 Yevadu Veeru Bhai Telugu
Jaihind 2 Tamil/Telugu
Abhimanyu Kannada
Loukyam Sathya Telugu
2015 Ek Paheli Leela Bhairav Hindi
Lailaa O Lailaa Victor Rana Malayalam
10 Endrathukulla Daksha Bhai Tamil
RajadhiRaja John Tiger Malayalam
Vedalam Rahul Tamil
2016 Shikari Dev Bengali
Okka Ammayi Thappa Aslam Bhai Telugu
Dishoom Altaaf Hindi
2017 Sathya Don David Malayalam
E
Mubarakan Akalpreet Sandhu Hindi
I'm Not a Terrorist Mustaffa Malayalam/Hindi
2018 Inttelligent Vicky Bhai Telugu
22 Days Hindi
Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se 2 Bhojpuri
Padayottam Samad Malayalam
2019 Rocky Marathi Marathi film[21]
Pagalpanti Smuggler Kazaam Gujarati
2020 Operation Parindey Monty Singh Hindi Released on ZEE5[22][23]
Torbaaz Qazar Released on Netflix
2021 Ranam Kannada
Raat Baaki Hai Rajesh Ahlawat Hindi Released on ZEE5
Arjun Gowda Kannada
2022 Bikkhov Malik Pradhan Bengali Bangladeshi film
The Legend Member of VJ's pharmaceutical mafia Tamil
2023 Gaslight SP Ashok Tanwar Hindi Released on Hotstar
1920: Horrors of the Heart Shantanu
Kill Him Anna Seth Bengali
Mastaney

R.A.M

Nader Shah Punjabi

Odia & Bengali Bilingual Movie

2024 Shivrayancha Chhava Kakar Khan Marathi
The Miranda Brothers Morocho Hindi
Naam Vikram Hindi
Dard Vasu Rao Surve "V.R.S Bhai" Hindi/Bengali Bilingual film
2025 Good Bad Ugly Convict Tamil
Jack Ata-ur-Rahman Telugu
2026 Ikkis Lieutenant colonel Hanut Singh Hindi
Gharga Kannada
Welcome To The Jungle † TBA Hindi
2006 Varanasi – The Untold † TBA Hindi

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref
2005 Games Bond Host [24]
2010 Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 3 Contestant [25]
2013 Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev Arunasur [1]
2015–2016 Power Couple Contestant [26]
2016 CID: Karo Ya Maro Katori Damta
Bigg Boss 10 Contestant [27]
2017 Dil Boley Oberoi Kali Thakur [28]
2021 The Empire Wazir khan
2023 Adhura Officer Bedi
2025 Reeta Sanyal M. Raj Thakral

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2017–2018 The Test Case Naib Subedar Kirpal Bhatti [29]
2020 Who's Your Daddy?? Prem Singh [30]
Poison 2 Sikander Malik [31]
2021 LSD: Love, Scandal and Doctors Dr. Rana
2022 Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega Hooda Kartoos

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Title Award Result Notes
2001 Champion Filmfare Best Villain Award Nominated
2001 Champion Zee cine awards Best Debut Actor Nominated
2001 Champion Sansui Viewer's Choice Awards Most promising Debut Actor Nominated
2002 Aashiq Bollywood Movie Awards for Best Actor in a Negative Role Nominated
2004 Simhadri Filmfare Award South for Best Villain- Telugu Nominated
Awara paagal Deewana Bollywood Movie Awards Best Actor in a Negative Role Nominated
Footpath Zee Cine Award Best Villain Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rahul Dev

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rahul Dev (born 27 September 1968) is an Indian actor and former model renowned for his intense portrayals of antagonists across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and other regional cinemas. Born in Saket, New Delhi, to a Punjabi family, he is the son of Hari Dev Kaushal, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi who passed away in 2019, and Anup Kaushal, a teacher. He has a younger brother, the late actor Mukul Dev, who died on 23 May 2025 due to health issues following a period of isolation. Dev began his career as a model before transitioning to acting, making his film debut in the 2000 Hindi action drama Champion, where he played the lead antagonist and received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role. Over more than two decades, he has appeared in nearly 100 films, often typecast as powerful villains but occasionally taking on diverse supporting roles, with significant work in South Indian industries—including 33 Telugu films, 17 Tamil, and 17 Kannada projects—leading him to own a home in Hyderabad. Notable films include Asoka (2001), 23 March 1931: Shaheed (2002), Simhadri (2003), Dishoom (2016), and Torbaaz (2020), showcasing his versatility beyond Bollywood. In his , Dev was married to Rina from 1998 until her death from cancer on 17 May 2009, after which he single-handedly raised their son, Siddhant. He has been in a long-term relationship with actress since 2013, openly addressing their 18-year age gap. Educated at St. Columba's School in , Dev has also been involved in social causes, including activism with PETA against zoos, and continues to be active in the industry as of 2025, with recent releases like Griha Laxmi.

Life and career

Early life

Rahul Dev Kaushal was born on September 27, 1968, in Saket, , , into a Punjabi Hindu family with ancestral roots in a village near , . He spent his childhood in , where he was raised by his father, Hari Dev, an who passed away on April 17, 2019, at the age of 91, his mother Anup Kaushal, a teacher, and his younger brother, , also an actor who died on May 23, 2025, at age 54 from health complications exacerbated by . Dev attended St. Columba's School in Delhi for his early education, where he developed an interest in sports. As a young boy, Dev aspired to become a professional cricketer, excelling in the during his school years, but he ultimately pursued studies instead. He graduated with an degree in from a college, initially showing no interest in the entertainment industry until he was discovered for modeling by fashion designer in .

Modeling career

Rahul Dev entered the modeling industry in 1993 during his final year of college, when he was approached by fashion designer Rohit Khosla for assignments and selected as the face for clothing brand Raymond's campaigns. The following year, in 1994, he made his ramp debut for Rohit Bal's Fall 1994-95 collection at the Taj Palace Hotel in , sharing the runway with other prominent male models like and . This marked the beginning of his professional modeling journey, contrasting sharply with his academic background in . Throughout the , Dev emerged as one of India's leading male models, a period he later described as a golden era when models commanded celebrity-like status and received direct attention from designers. He walked in over 400 fashion shows domestically and internationally, collaborating closely with designers such as and , who often featured multiple male models in their presentations unlike the industry norm of one or two. Dev also appeared in major advertisements, serving as Raymond's longest-serving model across five to six campaigns portraying "the complete man" and endorsing the SUV, while gracing features in prominent fashion magazines. His work helped shift male modeling trends toward leaner, more versatile physiques, accommodating experimental looks like silver-painted hair for specific shows. By 1999-2000, Dev transitioned to , drawing on his distinctive intense and unconventional appearance—honed through modeling—to pursue on-screen opportunities, eventually retiring from ramp work in 2002. He is credited with popularizing a rugged male aesthetic in Indian , challenging conventional standards and influencing the portrayal of in the industry during the decade.

Film career

Rahul Dev made his film debut in 2000 with the Hindi action thriller , directed by Padam Kumar, where he portrayed the antagonist opposite , earning critical acclaim for his intense performance and a Award nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role. Transitioning from a successful modeling , this role marked his entry into Bollywood as a formidable negative . In the early 2000s, Dev achieved a breakthrough with a series of villainous roles that solidified his reputation in , including the romantic action film Aashiq (2001) opposite , the action comedy (2002) with and , and the crime thriller (2003) featuring and . These performances showcased his ability to bring menace and depth to antagonistic characters, contributing to the commercial success of these films. Simultaneously, he expanded into regional Indian cinema, debuting in Telugu with (2002) alongside , and subsequently appearing in Tamil, , , Odia, and Punjabi productions, adapting to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Dev's early success led to typecasting as a negative character actor in Bollywood, limiting opportunities for lead or heroic roles due to his debut image, though he continued to deliver memorable villain portrayals across genres. In the 2010s, he began diversifying into supporting and nuanced roles, such as in the 2015 remake of Hero directed by Nikhil Advani, where he played a mentor figure, signaling a shift toward more varied characterizations beyond outright antagonism. This evolution allowed him to explore emotional depth in ensemble casts while maintaining his signature intensity. By 2025, Dev had appeared in over 100 films across multiple industries, with recent works highlighting his continued versatility in both mainstream and regional cinema. In 2024, he featured in the Marathi historical drama Shivrayancha Chhava as Kakar Khan, the action thriller The Miranda Brothers as Morocho, the film Naam, and the drama Dard, each demonstrating his adaptability to period and contemporary narratives. In 2025, he appeared in the Tamil action film Good Bad Ugly as the convict opposite and the Telugu film Jack as Ata-ur-Rahman, both released on April 10, 2025. Throughout his career, Dev faced challenges such as persistent in villain roles, which he addressed by venturing into Indian cinema to access diverse opportunities, and barriers that required intensive preparation for authenticity. In recent years, he has evolved toward digital platforms, embracing OTT projects that offer multifaceted roles and help redefine his image beyond traditional film stereotypes.

Television and web series career

Rahul Dev made his television debut in with the mythological series on Life OK, portraying the demon Arunasur in a negative that aligned with his career's typecasting as a . He followed this with guest appearances in other shows, including a special episode of CID in 2016 and a recurring as Jhanvi's boss in later that year. Over the years, Dev has accumulated approximately 10 television credits, primarily in supporting or antagonistic parts across mythological, drama, and reality formats. In 2010, prior to his scripted debut, Dev participated in the reality stunt show on Colors TV, where he competed in high-risk challenges in Brazil alongside celebrities like and . He returned to in 2016 as a wildcard contestant on on Colors TV, hosted by , where he stayed for 63 days before eviction, navigating house dynamics and earning respect for his calm demeanor amid conflicts. These appearances boosted his visibility during a career lull, with Dev later reflecting that the shows provided essential exposure after limited film opportunities. Dev's entry into web series marked a transition to digital platforms, beginning with the 2017 military drama The Test Case on ALTBalaji, where he played Naib Subedar Inderjeet Singh, a disciplined soldier. In 2023, he starred as Superintendent of Police Ashok Tanwar in the mystery-thriller Gaslight on Disney+ Hotstar, a role that involved investigating a family estate's dark secrets alongside Sara Ali Khan and Vikrant Massey. This was followed by his portrayal of the morally ambiguous lawyer M. Raj Thakral in the 2024 investigative dramedy Reeta Sanyal on Disney+ Hotstar, opposite Adah Sharma, emphasizing courtroom battles and personal vendettas. In early 2025, Dev appeared in the thriller web series Griha Laxmi on EPIC ON, released on January 16, playing a key role in a narrative about a housewife entangled in a dangerous drug empire in Betalgadh, co-starring Hina Khan and Chunky Pandey. Dev has noted that the shift to over-the-top (OTT) platforms has offered opportunities for more nuanced characters beyond outright villainy, allowing him to adapt to concise storytelling formats while leveraging his intense screen presence. This evolution reflects broader industry changes, enabling actors like him to explore layered antagonistic figures in shorter, bingeable content.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Rahul Dev married Rina in 1998, and the couple shared 11 years together until her death from cancer on 16 May 2009. After Rina's passing, Dev became a single father to their son Siddharth, whom he raised alone while navigating the challenges of balancing parental roles. Siddharth, born in the late , pursued higher education abroad, with Dev supporting his studies through various professional endeavors. Dev's father, Hari Dev, a former , died in 2019 at age 91 from age-related issues. His younger brother, actor , with whom he shared a close bond, passed away on May 23, 2025, in at age 54 following a prolonged illness worsened by after their parents' deaths, including their mother's in 2024; Rahul performed the and later spoke publicly about the deep emotional toll in June 2025 interviews. Dev began a romantic relationship with actress around 2013, which became public in 2015, and the couple has remained together as of 2025, marking 12 years of commitment in July without plans for marriage. In interviews, they have addressed their roughly 18-year age gap, stressing that mutual happiness transcends such differences.

Business ventures and other interests

In 1994, shortly after entering the modeling industry, Rahul Dev founded Rap Overseas, a focused on producing and exporting garments, leveraging his early experience in the garment sector with firms like Tedco. This venture marked his initial foray into , building on his background to establish a niche in apparel export. No significant expansions or new business initiatives have been reported for Rap Overseas beyond the early 2000s. Dev has also engaged in brand endorsements, particularly in the wellness and fitness space, aligning with his long-standing personal commitment to physical health. In 2021, he became the brand ambassador for OneAbove Health Care, a company providing affordable medical devices to promote preventive healthcare. More recently, in July 2025, he participated as a keynote speaker at Anytime Fitness's FITCRAFT 2.0 conclave, sharing insights on fitness alongside industry leaders to inspire broader wellness adoption. A passionate cricket enthusiast since youth, Dev once aspired to a career in the sport and played for Delhi's under-15 and under-19 teams, drawing inspiration from Pakistani cricketer . He has maintained this interest through participation in celebrity leagues, including the (CCL), where he represented teams like De Sher and even sustained a shoulder injury during a 2017 match while filming. These activities often intersect with his acting schedule, providing a recreational outlet. Dev has supported initiatives, including anti-tobacco campaigns and cancer awareness efforts. In 2011, he released an anti-tobacco poster to highlight risks such as cancer and heart disease, urging smokers to quit. He also walked in support of cancer awareness at the Festival of Hope event in , alongside survivors and designers to raise funds and promote early detection. These endeavors complement his professional life without major post-2020 developments noted.

Filmography

Films

Rahul Dev made his acting debut in the (2000), portraying the role of Naseer Ahmed, a cockfight owner. Over his career, he has featured in more than 100 films across languages including , Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, , , and others, often in antagonist roles until the . The following is a chronological list of his film roles, grouped by decade for clarity.

2000s

YearTitleLanguage(s)Role
2000Naseer Ahmed (cockfight owner)
2001IndianSupporting actor
2001AsokaBheema
2001Tamil
2001Aashiq
200223rd March 1931: Shaheed
2002Telugu
2002
2003Shekhar Srivastav (gang lord)
2003 Ek Faulad
2003SimhadriTelugu
2003
2003Supari
2003Kyon?
2003
2004Telugu
2004
2004Agnipankh
2004AndhrawalaTelugu
2005Jai ChiranjeevaTelugu
2005MazhaiTamil
2005AthaduTelugu
2006Varanasi - The Untold
2006Hamara Tiranga
2006Kachchi Sadak
2006Fight Club: Members Only
2006AsthramTelugu
2006PournamiTelugu, Tamil
2006Police KarthavyamTamil
2006Parashuram: One Man ArmyLead
2007Meri Jung
2008Kidnap
2008Mukhbiir
2008Jimmy
2009SaleemTelugu
2009Blue, English
2009Tamil
2009GhatikuduTelugu
2009Sankat City
2009YodhaKannada
2009Kal Kissne Dekha
2009Aa Dekhen Zara
2009Nene Mukhyamantri NaithTelugu
2009MunnaTelugu
2009Premi No.1Oriya, Bengali
2009BankTelugu
2009The Flag

2010s

YearTitleLanguage(s)Role
2010ShaapitHindiAntagonist
2010DammunnoduTeluguAntagonist
2010YaagamTeluguSupporting actor
2011DhartiPunjabiAntagonist
2011Run Bhola RunHindiSupporting actor
2011KanteeravaKannadaAntagonist
2011Cape KarmaHindiSupporting actor
2012Tiger VishvaTamilAntagonist
2012MokshaTeluguAntagonist
2012MirzaPunjabiSupporting actor
2012Mirza - The Untold StoryPunjabiAntagonist
2012Lagi ShartHindiSupporting actor
2013RangbaazBengaliAntagonist
2013Jatt Boys Putt Jattan DePunjabiSupporting actor
2013NaayakTelugu, Tamil, Hindi, MalayalamAntagonist
2013SweetheartTelugu, BengaliSupporting actor
2013SadhuTeluguAntagonist
2014Jaihind 2TeluguAntagonist
2014Yoddha - The WarriorPunjabiSupporting actor
2014Rajadhi RajaMalayalamAntagonist
2014HaraKannadaSupporting actor
2014StationHindiAntagonist
2014DhadaTelugu, TamilAntagonist
2014BrahmaKannadaSupporting actor
2015MagadheeraTamilAntagonist
201510 EndrathukullaTamilSupporting actor
2015Mantra 2Tamil, TeluguAntagonist
2015Ramta JogiPunjabiSupporting actor
2015Lailaa O LailaaMalayalamAntagonist
2015Ek Paheli LeelaHindiSupporting actor
2015YevaduTeluguAntagonist
2015Rajathi RajaMalayalam, Telugu, TamilSupporting actor
2016DishoomHindiAltaaf (antagonist)
2016ShikariBengaliAntagonist
2016Okka Ammayi ThappaTeluguSupporting actor
2016Ainaa Ishtam NuvvuTeluguAntagonist
201710 (TEN)TeluguAntagonist
2017I'm Not a TerroristHindiLead
2017ISIS Enemies of HumanityHindiAntagonist
2017BaroodhHindiSupporting actor
2017MubarakanHindiSupporting actor
2018Hari OmTeluguAntagonist
2018Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se 2BhojpuriSupporting actor
2018Mera KanoonHindiAntagonist
201822 DaysHindiSupporting actor
2018Nanthan RajaTamilAntagonist
2018PagalpantiGujaratiSupporting actor
2018The Real TigerHindiLead antagonist
2018Tridev Pyar Ki JungHindiSupporting actor
2019Ishq My ReligionPunjabiSupporting actor
2019Shaadi Ke PataseyHindiAntagonist
2019Asli FighterHindiLead
2019DevarattamTamilAntagonist
2019RockyMarathiSupporting actor
2019InttelligentTelugu, HindiAntagonist

2020s

YearTitleLanguage(s)Role
2020Ji KardaPunjabi,
2021Qazar (antagonist)
2021PadayottamSamad
2022KannadaAntagonist
2023Punjabi,
2023Yaaran Da RutbaaPunjabiAntagonist
2023RamOdia
2023GaslightSP Ashok Tanwar
2023
2024Shivrayancha ChhavaMarathiKakar Khan Pathan (antagonist)
2024The Miranda BrothersMorocho (supporting)
2024Naam
2024DardAntagonist
20241920: Horrors of the Heart
2024Warning 2Antagonist
2025Good Bad UglyConvict
2025JackTelugu
2025Siko Siko (co-production)TBD
2025
2025Vellapanti

Television

Rahul Dev entered the television industry in 2013 with the mythological drama on Life OK, portraying the demon Arunasur in 28 episodes. In the same year, he appeared in the historical series on as Shareef-ud-din, a supporting role in the popular show that ran from 2013 to 2015. Dev also featured in Savitri on in 2013, playing the character Ashwatthama in the mythological narrative. In 2016, he participated as a contestant in the reality show Bigg Boss 10 on , where he was known for his outspoken personality and was evicted in week 7. Later that year, Dev competed in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7 on , showcasing his stunt-performing skills as a contestant. Dev returned to fiction in 2017 with on Star Plus, taking on the antagonistic role of Kaali Thakur, a ruthless landlord who drove major plot developments in the spin-off of .
YearShowChannelRole
2013Life OKArunasur
2013SavitriAshwatthama
2013Zee TVShareef-ud-din
2016Bigg Boss 10Contestant
2016Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7Contestant
2017Star PlusKaali Thakur

Web series

Rahul Dev has increasingly embraced as an extension of his television career, finding the format conducive to exploring complex characters with greater depth and nuance. In interviews, he has noted that OTT platforms allow actors more time to develop roles, moving beyond the constraints of broadcast TV. His notable contributions to include portrayals in thrillers and dramas, often as authoritative figures navigating moral ambiguities.
  • Hunter: Tootega Nahi, Todega (2023, ; role: Inspector Hooda, a rule-breaking Haryanvi cop; 10 episodes in Season 2).
  • (2023, Prime Video; role: Officer Bedi; supernatural thriller).
  • Reeta Sanyal (2024, ; role: M. Raj Thakral, a morally complex ; 8 episodes).
  • Griha Laxmi (2025, EPIC ON; role: Balram Tokas, a senior tackling drug trade in a rural setting; ongoing series with at least 10 episodes released by November 2025).

Awards and nominations

Awards

Rahul Dev has received several awards recognizing his performances in , particularly for his portrayal of antagonistic characters. In 2001, he won the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Male for his role in (2000). In 2004, he won the Zee Cine Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Villainous Role for his role in (2003), where he played the ruthless villain Raghavan, earning praise for his intense and menacing presence. In 2013, Dev was awarded the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Performance in a Negative for his work in , highlighting his contributions to through compelling villainous roles.

Nominations

Throughout his career, Rahul Dev has garnered several nominations for his intense portrayals, especially in antagonistic roles that showcased his commanding screen presence, though he did not secure wins in these instances. These recognitions underscore his early impact in Bollywood and his continued relevance in as of 2025. Key nominations include:
  • 2001 Filmfare Awards: Best Performance in a Negative Role for , highlighting his debut as a ruthless boxer .
  • 2001 Screen Awards: Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role for .
  • 2001 Screen Awards: Most Promising Newcomer – Male for .
  • 2001 Sansui Viewer's Choice Awards: Most Promising Debut – Male for .
  • 2002 Bollywood Movie Awards: Best Actor in a Villain's Role for Aashiq.
  • 2003 Bollywood Movie Awards: Best Actor in a Villain's Role for .
  • 2025 International Iconic Awards: in a for The Miranda Brothers, recognizing his role in the series.
These nominations, primarily from the early 2000s, reflect Dev's breakthrough in , while the recent web series nod indicates his adaptability to digital platforms. No additional nominations have been noted since 2023.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Rahul-Dev
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rahul-dev-its-interesting-to-start-2025-on-a-high-with-griha-laxmi-release/articleshow/117019177.cms
  3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mukul-dev-passes-away-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-actor-his-family-and-film-career/photostory/121381034.cms
  4. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rahul-dev-recalls-brother-mukul-devs-last-days-says-he-lost-the-jazbaa-to-live-he-grew-reclusive-stopped-eating-days-before-his-death-10069638/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0222144/awards/
  6. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/rahul-dev/1766
  7. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rahul-dev-i-was-made-fun-of-for-doing-south-films-today-its-a-matter-of-pride-to-work-in-one/articleshow/91921905.cms
  8. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/rahul-dev-s-wife-passes-away/story-sRfepjSbJAxGVEuHQ2r7PK.html
  9. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/rahul-dev-on-raising-his-son-alone-after-wife-rinas-death-its-very-painful-looks-easy-in-films-3361036
  10. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/what-mugdha-godse-said-about-her-age-gap-with-boyfriend-rahul-dev-2356967
  11. https://starsunfolded.com/rahul-dev/
  12. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/rahul-dev-mukul-dev-90s-villain-bollywood-63909
  13. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rahul-dev-remembers-late-brother-mukul-dev-thanks-well-wishers/article69620097.ece
  14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/shah-rukh-khan-pays-warm-tribute-to-rahul-and-mukul-devs-father-hari-dev-who-passed-away-of-late/articleshow/68991631.cms
  15. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/mukul-dev-death-all-about-his-family-ex-wife-daughter-and-brother-rahul-dev-101748069578888.html
  16. https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/actor-mukul-devs-real-cause-of-death-he-had-not-eaten-anything-in-his-last-5-days-loneliness-says-brother-rahul-dev/articleshow/121880772.cms
  17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/90s-was-a-glorious-time-for-male-models-rahul-dev/articleshow/116530293.cms
  18. https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/ties-that-bind/cid/1537618
  19. https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/rahul-dev-quotes
  20. https://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101011/ttlife1.htm
  21. https://www.esquireindia.co.in/style/kings-of-style/remembering-designer-rohit-bal
  22. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/interview/story/20010108-understated-things-work-much-better-rahul-dev-776007-2001-01-07
  23. https://www.facebook.com/ETinsights/videos/in-an-exclusive-conversation-with-et-edge-insights-indian-actor-and-former-model/1208750641129410/
  24. https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/bollywood/rahul-dev-opens-up-about-breaking-free-from-villain-stereotype-1503375374.html
  25. https://et-edge.com/conferences/40under40-west/team/rahul-dev/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0222144/
  27. https://www.ottplay.com/news/rahul-dev-on-film-remakes-ive-worked-in-all-four-languages-down-south-and-can-safely-say/67b290a5ce648
  28. https://theprint.in/feature/i-tried-going-down-south-rahul-dev-on-getting-typecast-for-villain-roles-in-bollywood/2400079/
  29. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/Dec/05/a-new-role-call-2391084.html
  30. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/rahul-dev/filmography/
  31. https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/rahul-dev/upcoming-movies.html
  32. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/rahul-dev
  33. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/rahul-devs-look-in-devon-ke-dev-mahadev/articleshow/26962351.cms
  34. https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/rahul-dev-to-play-a-villain-on-devon-ke-dev-mahadev/story-UlV5B7ZnM2u0nJ1KyL1wgN.html
  35. https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/photo/meet-the-contestants-of-khatron-ke-khiladi-364020-2010-08-03
  36. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/rahul-dev-says-he-did-bigg-boss-10-as-he-had-no-work-2003887-2022-09-23
  37. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rahul-dev-says-even-80-films-didnt-save-him-and-he-had-to-take-up-bigg-boss-10-101697794711520.html
  38. https://www.news18.com/movies/rahul-dev-says-he-had-to-do-bigg-boss-even-after-doing-80-films-there-was-no-work-for-me-8627489.html
  39. https://www.news18.com/movies/gaslight-rahul-dev-reveals-how-being-a-legendary-cops-son-helped-him-prepare-for-his-role-exclusive-7431721.html
  40. https://www.indiaforums.com/article/rahul-dev-opens-on-his-role-in-reeta-sanyal-growth-of-ott-and-upcoming-projects_212642
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35255273/
  42. https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/adhura-actor-rahul-dev-ott-has-given-a-new-lease-of-life-to-my-career-though-i-still-get-stereotypical-roles-101693571689773.html
  43. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rahul-dev-breaks-down-as-he-recalls-raising-son-alone-after-wife-s-death-101663603643643.html
  44. https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/took-up-bigg-boss-10-to-fund-my-son-s-education-rahul-dev/story-eAp84HLoCmRcOcNUrMQAAK.html
  45. https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/rahul-devs-father-passes-away-at-91-20793161
  46. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/actor-mukul-dev-passes-away-at-54-mukul-dev-death-and-funeral-news-celebrity-reaction/liveblog/121376572.cms
  47. https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/rahul-dev-breaks-silence-on-brother-mukul-devs-untimely-death-he-had-stopped-eating-ws-l-9388176.html
  48. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-mukul-dev-lost-his-mother-last-year-grief-can-take-a-toll-says-mahesh-bhatt/articleshow/121393829.cms
  49. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-rahul-dev-and-mugdha-godse-on-their-relationship-destiny-made-it-sweet-and-strong/articleshow/77819641.cms
  50. https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/rahul-dev-and-mugdha-godse-lost-in-each-others-eyes-as-they-celebrate-12-years-of-togetherness-23583119
  51. https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/mughda-godse-opens-up-about-equation-with-rahul-dev-s-son-for-the-first-time/story-mQ7Yyu2WdmaMIZTYr9cAJP.html
  52. http://www.filmsntv.in/2021/07/rahul-dev-becomes-oneabove-health-cares.html
  53. https://www.mediainfoline.com/uncategorized/bollywood-actor-rahul-dev-and-fitness-changemakers-share-the-spotlight-at-anytime-fitnesss-fitcraft-2-0-conclave
  54. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/rahul_dev_1085381
  55. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rahul-dev-bonds-with-australian-co-actor-zenia-starr-in-manali/articleshow/52777322.cms
  56. https://dwarkaparichay.com/blog/rahul-dev-releases-antitobacco-poster/
  57. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/bollywood-actor-rahul-dev-during-the-sixth-edition-of-the-news-photo/474823906
  58. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/rahul-dev/1766/filmography
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3679060/
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30497782/fullcredits
  61. https://elcinema.com/en/person/2093577/filmography
  62. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-10-contestant-rahul-dev-bags-a-tv-show/articleshow/56888573.cms
  63. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni63167975/
  64. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27050076/
  65. https://www.indianewsstream.com/actual-incidents-influenced-rahul-devs-role-in-hunter-tootega-nahi-todega/
  66. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19868286/
  67. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33144102/
  68. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/reeta-sanyal/reeta-sanyal-season-1/seasonreview/114220284.cms
  69. https://www.epicon.in/tv-shows/griha-laxmi
  70. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0270880/awards/
  71. https://indianexpress.com/about/rahul-dev/awards/
  72. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/ptc-punjabi-film-awards-2013-results/articleshow/18827208.cms
  73. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/rahul-dev/bio/3000475688/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.