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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/Kannada
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 Nader Shah Punjabi
R.A.M Odia/Bengali
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
TBA 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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3][4] 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.[5] 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.[6][7] Notable films include Asoka (2001), 23 March 1931: Shaheed (2002), Simhadri (2003), Dishoom (2016), and Torbaaz (2020), showcasing his versatility beyond Bollywood.[6] In his personal life, 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.[8][9] He has been in a long-term relationship with actress Mugdha Godse since 2013, openly addressing their 18-year age gap.[10] Educated at St. Columba's School in Delhi, 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.[11][2]

Life and career

Early life

Rahul Dev Kaushal was born on September 27, 1968, in Saket, New Delhi, India, into a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family with ancestral roots in a village near Jalandhar district, Punjab.[12][13] He spent his childhood in New Delhi, where he was raised by his father, Hari Dev, an Assistant Commissioner of Police who passed away on April 17, 2019, at the age of 91, his mother Anup Kaushal, a teacher, and his younger brother, Mukul Dev, also an actor who died on May 23, 2025, at age 54 from health complications exacerbated by loneliness.[14][15][16][3] Dev attended St. Columba's School in Delhi for his early education, where he developed an interest in sports.[17][18] As a young boy, Dev aspired to become a professional cricketer, excelling in the sport during his school years, but he ultimately pursued engineering studies instead.[18][19] He graduated with an engineering degree in 1993 from a Delhi college, initially showing no interest in the entertainment industry until he was discovered for modeling by fashion designer Rohit Bal in 1993.[18][20]

Modeling career

Rahul Dev entered the modeling industry in 1993 during his final year of engineering college, when he was approached by fashion designer Rohit Khosla for assignments and selected as the face for clothing brand Raymond's campaigns.[18] The following year, in 1994, he made his ramp debut for Rohit Bal's Fall 1994-95 collection at the Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi, sharing the runway with other prominent male models like Milind Soman and Marc Robinson.[21] This marked the beginning of his professional modeling journey, contrasting sharply with his academic background in engineering. Throughout the 1990s, 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.[17] He walked in over 400 fashion shows domestically and internationally, collaborating closely with designers such as Rohit Bal and JJ Valaya, who often featured multiple male models in their presentations unlike the industry norm of one or two.[17] 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 Tata Sierra SUV, while gracing features in prominent fashion magazines.[17] His work helped shift male modeling trends toward leaner, more versatile physiques, accommodating experimental looks like silver-painted hair for specific shows.[17] By 1999-2000, Dev transitioned to acting, drawing on his distinctive intense and unconventional appearance—honed through modeling—to pursue on-screen opportunities, eventually retiring from ramp work in 2002.[22] He is credited with popularizing a rugged male aesthetic in Indian fashion, challenging conventional standards and influencing the portrayal of masculinity in the industry during the decade.[23]

Film career

Rahul Dev made his film debut in 2000 with the Hindi action thriller Champion, directed by Padam Kumar, where he portrayed the antagonist opposite Sunny Deol, earning critical acclaim for his intense performance and a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role.[6][5][24] Transitioning from a successful modeling career, this role marked his entry into Bollywood as a formidable negative character actor.[25] In the early 2000s, Dev achieved a breakthrough with a series of villainous roles that solidified his reputation in Hindi cinema, including the romantic action film Aashiq (2001) opposite Bobby Deol, the action comedy Awara Paagal Deewana (2002) with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, and the crime thriller Footpath (2003) featuring Aftab Shivdasani and Emraan Hashmi.[26] 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 Takkari Donga (2002) alongside Mahesh Babu, and subsequently appearing in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, and Punjabi productions, adapting to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.[27][7][25] 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.[28] 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.[29] 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.[25] In 2024, he featured in the Marathi historical drama Shivrayancha Chhava as Kakar Khan, the action thriller The Miranda Brothers as Morocho, the Hindi film Naam, and the drama Dard, each demonstrating his adaptability to period and contemporary narratives.[26][30] In 2025, he appeared in the Tamil action film Good Bad Ugly as the convict opposite Ajith Kumar and the Telugu film Jack as Ata-ur-Rahman, both released on April 10, 2025.[31][32] Throughout his career, Dev faced challenges such as persistent typecasting in villain roles, which he addressed by venturing into South Indian cinema to access diverse opportunities, and regional language barriers that required intensive preparation for authenticity.[28][7] 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.[24][29]

Television and web series career

Rahul Dev made his television debut in 2013 with the mythological series Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev on Life OK, portraying the demon Arunasur in a negative role that aligned with his film career's typecasting as a villain.[33][34] He followed this with guest appearances in other shows, including a special episode of CID in 2016 and a recurring role as Jhanvi's boss in Dil Boley Oberoi later that year.[26] Over the years, Dev has accumulated approximately 10 television credits, primarily in supporting or antagonistic parts across mythological, drama, and reality formats.[26] In 2010, prior to his scripted debut, Dev participated in the reality stunt show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 3 on Colors TV, where he competed in high-risk challenges in Brazil alongside celebrities like Rahul Bose and Dino Morea.[35] He returned to reality television in 2016 as a wildcard contestant on Bigg Boss 10 on Colors TV, hosted by Salman Khan, where he stayed for 63 days before eviction, navigating house dynamics and earning respect for his calm demeanor amid conflicts.[36][37] These appearances boosted his visibility during a career lull, with Dev later reflecting that the shows provided essential exposure after limited film opportunities.[38] 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.[26] 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.[39] 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.[40] 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.[2][41] 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.[42] This evolution reflects broader industry changes, enabling actors like him to explore layered antagonistic figures in shorter, bingeable content.[24]

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.[43][9] 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.[9] Siddharth, born in the late 1990s, pursued higher education abroad, with Dev supporting his studies through various professional endeavors.[44] Dev's father, Hari Dev, a former assistant commissioner of police, died in 2019 at age 91 from age-related issues.[45] His younger brother, actor Mukul Dev, with whom he shared a close bond, passed away on May 23, 2025, in New Delhi at age 54 following a prolonged illness worsened by loneliness after their parents' deaths, including their mother's in 2024; Rahul performed the last rites and later spoke publicly about the deep emotional toll in June 2025 interviews.[46][47][48] Dev began a romantic relationship with actress Mugdha Godse 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.[49][50] In interviews, they have addressed their roughly 18-year age gap, stressing that mutual happiness transcends such differences.[51]

Business ventures and other interests

In 1994, shortly after entering the modeling industry, Rahul Dev founded Rap Overseas, a company focused on producing and exporting leather garments, leveraging his early experience in the garment sector with firms like Tedco.[18] This venture marked his initial foray into entrepreneurship, building on his fashion 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.[52] 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.[53] A passionate cricket enthusiast since youth, Dev once aspired to a professional career in the sport and played for Delhi's under-15 and under-19 teams, drawing inspiration from Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan.[54] He has maintained this interest through participation in celebrity leagues, including the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), where he represented teams like Punjab De Sher and even sustained a shoulder injury during a 2017 match while filming.[55] These activities often intersect with his acting schedule, providing a recreational outlet. Dev has supported public health 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.[56] He also walked in support of cancer awareness at the 2015 Festival of Hope event in Delhi, alongside survivors and designers to raise funds and promote early detection.[57] These endeavors complement his professional life without major post-2020 developments noted.

Filmography

Films

Rahul Dev made his acting debut in the Hindi film Champion (2000), portraying the role of Naseer Ahmed, a cockfight owner. Over his career, he has featured in more than 100 films across languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, and others, often in antagonist roles until the 2010s.[26][58] The following is a chronological list of his film roles, grouped by decade for clarity.

2000s

YearTitleLanguage(s)Role
2000ChampionHindiNaseer Ahmed (cockfight owner)
2001IndianHindiSupporting actor[58]
2001AsokaHindiBheema
2001NarasimhaTamilAntagonist[58]
2001AashiqHindiAntagonist
200223rd March 1931: ShaheedHindiSupporting actor[58]
2002Takkari DongaTeluguAntagonist[58]
2002Awara Paagal DeewanaHindiAntagonist
2003FootpathHindiShekhar Srivastav (gang lord)
2003Yamraaj Ek FauladHindiAntagonist[58]
2003SimhadriTeluguAntagonist[58]
200388 Antop HillHindiSupporting actor[58]
2003SupariHindiAntagonist[58]
2003Kyon?HindiSupporting actor[58]
2003SuryaHindiAntagonist[58]
2004MassTeluguAntagonist[58]
2004BardaashtHindiSupporting actor[58]
2004AgnipankhHindiSupporting actor[58]
2004AndhrawalaTeluguAntagonist[58]
2005Jai ChiranjeevaTeluguAntagonist[58]
2005MazhaiTamilAntagonist[58]
2005AthaduTeluguAntagonist
2006Varanasi - The UntoldHindiSupporting actor[58]
2006Hamara TirangaHindiSupporting actor[58]
2006Kachchi SadakHindiAntagonist[58]
2006Fight Club: Members OnlyHindiAntagonist
2006AsthramTeluguAntagonist[58]
2006PournamiTelugu, TamilSupporting actor[58]
2006Police KarthavyamTamilSupporting actor[58]
2006Parashuram: One Man ArmyHindiLead antagonist[58]
2007Meri JungHindiAntagonist[58]
2008KidnapHindiAntagonist
2008MukhbiirHindiSupporting actor[58]
2008JimmyHindiSupporting actor[58]
2009SaleemTeluguAntagonist[58]
2009BlueHindi, EnglishAntagonist
2009AadhavanTamilAntagonist[58]
2009GhatikuduTeluguAntagonist[58]
2009Sankat CityHindiSupporting actor[58]
2009YodhaKannadaAntagonist[58]
2009Kal Kissne DekhaHindiSupporting actor[58]
2009Aa Dekhen ZaraHindiAntagonist
2009Nene Mukhyamantri NaithTeluguAntagonist[58]
2009MunnaTeluguSupporting actor[58]
2009Premi No.1Oriya, BengaliSupporting actor[58]
2009BankTeluguAntagonist[58]
2009The FlagHindiSupporting actor[58]

2010s

YearTitleLanguage(s)Role
2010ShaapitHindiAntagonist
2010DammunnoduTeluguAntagonist[58]
2010YaagamTeluguSupporting actor[58]
2011DhartiPunjabiAntagonist[58]
2011Run Bhola RunHindiSupporting actor[58]
2011KanteeravaKannadaAntagonist[58]
2011Cape KarmaHindiSupporting actor[58]
2012Tiger VishvaTamilAntagonist[58]
2012MokshaTeluguAntagonist[58]
2012MirzaPunjabiSupporting actor[58]
2012Mirza - The Untold StoryPunjabiAntagonist[58]
2012Lagi ShartHindiSupporting actor[58]
2013RangbaazBengaliAntagonist[58]
2013Jatt Boys Putt Jattan DePunjabiSupporting actor[58]
2013NaayakTelugu, Tamil, Hindi, MalayalamAntagonist
2013SweetheartTelugu, BengaliSupporting actor[58]
2013SadhuTeluguAntagonist[58]
2014Jaihind 2TeluguAntagonist[58]
2014Yoddha - The WarriorPunjabiSupporting actor[58]
2014Rajadhi RajaMalayalamAntagonist[58]
2014HaraKannadaSupporting actor[58]
2014StationHindiAntagonist[58]
2014DhadaTelugu, TamilAntagonist[58]
2014BrahmaKannadaSupporting actor[58]
2015MagadheeraTamilAntagonist[58]
201510 EndrathukullaTamilSupporting actor[58]
2015Mantra 2Tamil, TeluguAntagonist[58]
2015Ramta JogiPunjabiSupporting actor[58]
2015Lailaa O LailaaMalayalamAntagonist[58]
2015Ek Paheli LeelaHindiSupporting actor
2015YevaduTeluguAntagonist[58]
2015Rajathi RajaMalayalam, Telugu, TamilSupporting actor[58]
2016DishoomHindiAltaaf (antagonist)[59]
2016ShikariBengaliAntagonist[58]
2016Okka Ammayi ThappaTeluguSupporting actor[58]
2016Ainaa Ishtam NuvvuTeluguAntagonist[58]
201710 (TEN)TeluguAntagonist[58]
2017I'm Not a TerroristHindiLead[58]
2017ISIS Enemies of HumanityHindiAntagonist[58]
2017BaroodhHindiSupporting actor[58]
2017MubarakanHindiSupporting actor
2018Hari OmTeluguAntagonist[58]
2018Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se 2BhojpuriSupporting actor[58]
2018Mera KanoonHindiAntagonist[58]
201822 DaysHindiSupporting actor[58]
2018Nanthan RajaTamilAntagonist[58]
2018PagalpantiGujaratiSupporting actor[58]
2018The Real TigerHindiLead antagonist[58]
2018Tridev Pyar Ki JungHindiSupporting actor[58]
2019Ishq My ReligionPunjabiSupporting actor[58]
2019Shaadi Ke PataseyHindiAntagonist[58]
2019Asli FighterHindiLead[58]
2019DevarattamTamilAntagonist[58]
2019RockyMarathiSupporting actor[58]
2019InttelligentTelugu, HindiAntagonist[58]

2020s

YearTitleLanguage(s)Role
2020Ji KardaPunjabi, HindiSupporting actor[58]
2021TorbaazHindiQazar (antagonist)
2021PadayottamMalayalamSamad[58]
2022Arjun GowdaKannadaAntagonist[26]
2023MastaneyPunjabi, HindiSupporting actor[58]
2023Yaaran Da RutbaaPunjabiAntagonist[58]
2023RamOdiaSupporting actor[58]
2023GaslightHindiSP Ashok Tanwar
2023SelfieeHindiSupporting actor
2024Shivrayancha ChhavaMarathiKakar Khan Pathan (antagonist)[60]
2024The Miranda BrothersHindiMorocho (supporting)[30]
2024NaamHindiSupporting actor[58]
2024DardHindiAntagonist[61]
20241920: Horrors of the HeartHindiSupporting actor[30]
2024Warning 2HindiAntagonist[61]
2025Good Bad UglyHindiConvict
2025JackTeluguSupporting actor[31]
2025Siko SikoArabic (co-production)TBD[61]
2025Welcome to the JungleHindiSupporting actor[58]
2025VellapantiHindiSupporting actor[30]

Television

Rahul Dev entered the television industry in 2013 with the mythological drama Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev on Life OK, portraying the demon Arunasur in 28 episodes.[33] In the same year, he appeared in the historical series Jodha Akbar on Zee TV as Shareef-ud-din, a supporting role in the popular show that ran from 2013 to 2015.[62] Dev also featured in Savitri on Colors TV in 2013, playing the character Ashwatthama in the mythological narrative.[33] In 2016, he participated as a contestant in the reality show Bigg Boss 10 on Colors TV, where he was known for his outspoken personality and was evicted in week 7.[26] Later that year, Dev competed in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7 on Colors TV, showcasing his stunt-performing skills as a contestant.[26] Dev returned to fiction in 2017 with Dil Boley Oberoi on Star Plus, taking on the antagonistic role of Kaali Thakur, a ruthless landlord who drove major plot developments in the spin-off of Ishqbaaaz.[62]
YearShowChannelRole
2013Devon Ke Dev...MahadevLife OKArunasur
2013SavitriColors TVAshwatthama
2013Jodha AkbarZee TVShareef-ud-din
2016Bigg Boss 10Colors TVContestant
2016Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7Colors TVContestant
2017Dil Boley OberoiStar PlusKaali Thakur

Web series

Rahul Dev has increasingly embraced web series 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.[63] His notable contributions to web series include portrayals in thrillers and dramas, often as authoritative figures navigating moral ambiguities.
  • Hunter: Tootega Nahi, Todega (2023, Amazon MX Player; role: Inspector Hooda, a rule-breaking Haryanvi cop; 10 episodes in Season 2).[64][65]
  • Adhura (2023, Prime Video; role: Officer Bedi; supernatural thriller).[66]
  • Reeta Sanyal (2024, Disney+ Hotstar; role: M. Raj Thakral, a morally complex prosecutor; 8 episodes).[67][68]
  • Griha Laxmi (2025, EPIC ON; role: Balram Tokas, a senior police officer tackling drug trade in a rural setting; ongoing series with at least 10 episodes released by November 2025).[41][69]

Awards and nominations

Awards

Rahul Dev has received several awards recognizing his performances in film, 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 Champion (2000).[70] In 2004, he won the Zee Cine Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Villainous Role for his role in Footpath (2003), where he played the ruthless villain Raghavan, earning praise for his intense and menacing presence.[71] In 2013, Dev was awarded the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for his work in Mirza – The Untold Story, highlighting his contributions to Punjabi cinema through compelling villainous roles.[72]

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 web content as of 2025.[5] Key nominations include:
  • 2001 Filmfare Awards: Best Performance in a Negative Role for Champion, highlighting his debut as a ruthless boxer antagonist.[5]
  • 2001 Screen Awards: Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role for Champion.[73]
  • 2001 Screen Awards: Most Promising Newcomer – Male for Champion.[5]
  • 2001 Sansui Viewer's Choice Awards: Most Promising Debut – Male for Champion.[5]
  • 2002 Bollywood Movie Awards: Best Actor in a Villain's Role for Aashiq.[5]
  • 2003 Bollywood Movie Awards: Best Actor in a Villain's Role for Awara Paagal Deewana.[5]
  • 2025 International Iconic Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Web Film for The Miranda Brothers, recognizing his role in the JioCinema series.[5]
These nominations, primarily from the early 2000s, reflect Dev's breakthrough in Hindi cinema, while the recent web series nod indicates his adaptability to digital platforms. No additional nominations have been noted since 2023.[5]

References

  1. Rahul Dev: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday
  2. Rahul Dev: It's interesting to start 2025 on a high with 'Griha Laxmi ...
  3. Mukul Dev Passes away: All you need to know about the actor, his ...
  4. Awards - Rahul Dev - IMDb
  5. Rahul Dev - Movies, Biography, News, Age & Photos | BookMyShow
  6. Rahul Dev: I was made fun of for doing south films. Today, it's a ...
  7. Rahul Dev's wife passes away - Hindustan Times
  8. Rahul Dev On Raising His Son Alone After Wife Rina's Death - NDTV
  9. What Mugdha Godse Said About Her Age Gap With Boyfriend Rahul ...
  10. Rahul Dev Height, Age, Wife, Girlfriend, Family, Biography & More
  11. Who Is Rahul Dev? Lost Wife To Cancer, Related To Mukul Dev ...
  12. Rahul Dev remembers late brother Mukul Dev, thanks well-wishers
  13. Shah Rukh Khan pays warm tribute to Rahul and Mukul Dev's father ...
  14. Mukul Dev death: All about his family, ex-wife, daughter and brother ...
  15. Actor Mukul Dev's real cause of death: He had not eaten anything in ...
  16. 90s was a glorious time for male models: Rahul Dev | Delhi News
  17. Ties that bind - Telegraph India
  18. Rahul Dev Quotes - BrainyQuote
  19. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India
  20. What Makes Rohit Bal Beautiful – Redefining Indian Menswear
  21. Understated things work much better: Rahul Dev - India Today
  22. In an exclusive conversation with ET Edge Insights, Indian actor and ...
  23. Rahul Dev opens up about breaking free from villain stereotype
  24. Rahul Dev - ET Edge 40 Under 40 – West Edition 2025
  25. Rahul Dev - IMDb
  26. Rahul Dev on film remakes: I've worked in all four languages down ...
  27. "I tried going down South": Rahul Dev on getting typecast for villain ...
  28. A New Role Call: Rahul Dev on his villainous legacy
  29. Rahul Dev Upcoming Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama
  30. New and Upcoming Movies Of Rahul Dev (2025, 2026) - FilmiBeat
  31. Rahul Dev Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
  32. Rahul Dev's look in 'Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev - The Times of India
  33. Rahul Dev to play a villain on Devon Ke Dev Mahadev
  34. Meet the contestants of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 3' - India Today
  35. Rahul Dev says he did Bigg Boss 10 as he had no work - India Today
  36. Rahul Dev says even 80 films didn't save him, and he had to take up ...
  37. Rahul Dev Says He Had To Do Bigg Boss Even After Doing 80 Films
  38. Gaslight: Rahul Dev Reveals How Being A 'Legendary' Cop's Son ...
  39. Rahul Dev opens on his Role in 'Reeta Sanyal', growth of OTT ...
  40. Griha Laxmi (TV Series 2025– ) - IMDb
  41. Adhura actor Rahul Dev: OTT has given a new lease of life to my ...
  42. Rahul Dev breaks down as he recalls raising son alone after wife ...
  43. Took up Bigg Boss 10 to fund my son's education: Rahul Dev
  44. Rahul Dev's father, Hari Dev, passes away at 91 - Mid-day
  45. Mukul Dev Passes Away Live Update: Industry left in shock by the ...
  46. Rahul Dev BREAKS Silence On Brother Mukul Dev's Untimely Death
  47. Exclusive! Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse on their relationship
  48. Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse lost in each other's eyes ... - Mid-day
  49. Mugdha Godse opens up about equation with Rahul Dev's son for ...
  50. Rahul Dev becomes OneAbove Health Care's brand ambassador
  51. Bollywood Actor Rahul Dev and Fitness Changemakers Share the ...
  52. Rahul Dev - I played cricket for the Delhi under-15 and 19...
  53. Rahul Dev bonds with Australian co-actor Zenia Starr in Manali
  54. Rahul Dev releases anti–tobacco poster - Dwarka Parichay
  55. Bollywood actor Rahul Dev during the sixth edition of the Festival of...
  56. Rahul Dev - Movies, Biography, News, Age & Photos | BookMyShow
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19868286/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30497782/fullcredits
  59. Filmography: Rahul Dev - Actor
  60. Bigg Boss 10 contestant Rahul Dev bags a TV show - Times of India
  61. Rahul Dev thanks well-wishers for their support after brother Mukul ...
  62. Rahul Dev: Web series offers time to develop, portray a character ...
  63. Hunter - Tootega Nahi, Todega (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb
  64. Actual incidents influenced Rahul Dev's role in 'Hunter: Tootega ...
  65. Reeta Sanyal (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb
  66. Reeta Sanyal Season 1 Review: This legal crime thriller is ...
  67. Watch Griha Laxmi All Episodes Online - EPIC ON
  68. Rahul Dev Awards: Achievements & Honors | The Indian Express
  69. PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2013 Results - Times of India
  70. Rahul Dev Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards - TV Guide
  71. Awards - Champion (2000) - IMDb
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