Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing the 1991 blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante and launching Ajay Devgn’s Bollywood career, has died at the age of 77. Kohli passed away in Mumbai on August 25, 2026, after suffering a massive heart attack.
Kuku Kohli Dies After Heart Attack
Kohli had been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after feeling unwell. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said Kohli had no known illness before suffering the massive heart attack. Kohli was also serving as General Secretary of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA).
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from actors, filmmakers and other members of the Hindi film industry.
Ajay Devgn Remembers Director Who Changed His Life
Kohli holds a particularly important place in Ajay Devgn’s career. He cast the then-newcomer as the lead in Phool Aur Kaante, which became a commercial success and established Devgn as a major Bollywood star.
Devgn paid an emotional tribute, saying some people “change the course of your life forever” and describing Kohli as one of those people. He expressed gratitude for the filmmaker’s faith in him at the beginning of his career.
Actress Madhoo, who also starred in Phool Aur Kaante, remembered Kohli for giving her a career-changing opportunity. She said she had met him recently and was shocked by his sudden death.
Aruna Irani Bids Tearful Farewell
Kohli’s last rites were performed at Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai on August 26. His wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, was seen bidding an emotional final farewell as members of the film industry gathered to pay their respects.
Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Rohit Shetty, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Ashoke Pandit and several other film personalities were among those who attended the funeral.
The Filmmaker Behind Several Bollywood Hits
Kohli began his journey in Hindi cinema working under legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor before assisting Rahul Rawail on films including Betaab and Arjun.
He made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante and later directed movies including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, Zulmi, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and Woh Tera Naam Tha.
While his films remain part of the popular Hindi cinema of the 1990s and early 2000s, Kohli’s most enduring legacy may be his role in introducing Ajay Devgn to the big screen.
His death marks the loss of a filmmaker closely associated with an important era of commercial Bollywood, while the tributes from Devgn and other stars underline the impact he had on careers behind and in front of the camera.
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