Cinema VinesVeteran Bollywood director Kuku Kohli, 77, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, after suffering a massive heart attack. The film industry mourned the loss of a filmmaker who launched Ajay Devgn’s career with the 1991 hit Phool Aur Kaante and went on to direct a string of popular movies such as Kohraam, Suhaag, Anari No. 1, Haqeeqat and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final project, Woh Tera Naam Tha, hit theaters in 2004.
Kohli was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday, August 24, after feeling unwell. According to Balraj Irani, brother of actress Aruna Irani, he was fine earlier that evening but collapsed after a heart attack. Despite medical efforts, he was declared dead at around 5 p.m. He was cremated at noon on Wednesday, August 26. His wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, and their children, Pooja and Karishma, were present at the funeral.
The funeral drew a host of Bollywood personalities, including Rajpal Yadav, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Rohit Shetty, Sham Kaushal and Ashoke Pandit. The gathering underscored Kohli’s influence across generations of filmmakers and actors.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter) with the message, “Rest in peace Kuki ji, Aruna ji, my heart goes out to you. May God give u strength.” He joined other industry figures in paying tribute to the late director.
Ajay Devgn, whose career was launched by Kohli, posted a heartfelt note on X: “Some people change the course of your life forever. Kuku ji was one of those people for me. Forever grateful for the faith you had in me. You will be deeply missed, Kuku ji. Om Shanti.” The 1991 film Phool Aur Kaante became a major box‑office success and earned Devgn the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
