Mukul Dev makes a comeback

How do you feel being back in the industry after a break?
I feel really good because the film has done well and the character has been very much appreciated in spite of being a small one and limited scenes.

You have returned to the industry after a long time; how have you been spending?
I have been doing films in the Telugu industry and did around 14 to 15 movies without break. And this year Yamla Pagla Deewana happened after which I am again getting engaged.

Have you felt any change in the industry after the break?
I did not find any change because I have always been in touch with the people from the industry and they have always appreciated my work. Today they want me to do roles that are substantial and demanding. I have been getting messages and calls from my friends and fans conveying the dialogues that I said in the movie and I am really happy that they are recognizing what I did.

What was the most struggling part of your life?
There were times when I got dejected because of what was happening in my professional life. But at the same time there were people who have told me that I was doing a good job and one among them was Anupam Kher. He always used to console and encourage me saying that since it is an entertainment industry, we have to be prepared for everything. We are at the mercy of unpredictable.  

Was there any point where you felt that life was not fair on you?
Never had I felt any such thing because I always loved what I am doing and nobody has ever asked me to quit acting or acting was not meant for me. I just have to wait for better roles and films for which I do get encouragement from the industry and people.

You have also been a prominent actor in television; will we see you again?
If I get a good offer I would definitely like to get into television as well and I have done shows earlier like Gharwali Uparwali, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki etc. but in daily soaps you are supposed to give all your time for that which gives you less time for yourself. Gharwali Uparwali was a weekly show and I had time for myself when I was doing the show. I left television to concentrate more on films.

You are also to start up an aeronautical academy; what made you shift your attention to an educational level?
I am a trained pilot myself and I always wanted to do something apart from acting. When others thought of opening restaurants and night clubs, I thought of opening up an educational institution. The institution is in Delhi and is one of its kinds in India. I have opened up this in association with Capt. V C Gupta who has been with Air India and Indian Airlines.
All aspiring pilots are given a chance to enroll and study the full course on all aspects of piloting. The faculties have been chosen with great care.

How are you planning it?
There will obviously be practical sessions along with the ground classes by the experts and the academy will have normal spacious classrooms. All the basic stuffs like Uniforms, cafeteria for refreshments and other necessities will be provided. The qualification would be 10+2 with a science background and even engineering students are also eligible to apply.

Will we see you as a teacher?
No. I don't think so because I don't think I can make  a patient teacher.

What are your upcoming projects; can you give a brief on the roles?
I have not signed anything as of now but I am still reading script because I am looking for something that make up to the standards of Yamla Pagla Deewana.