Veteran Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Dies At 77, Actors Pay Tribute
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Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for giving Ajay Devgn his breakthrough with Phool Aur Kaante, died at the age of 77 after suffering a heart attack at a Mumbai hospital on Tuesday, August 25. His last rites were performed at the Oshiwara crematorium on Wednesday.
Kohli, whose birth name was Avatar Kohli, was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated. He died around 5 pm on Tuesday, according to his brother-in-law Balraj Irani.
Kuku Kohli’s Funeral Held In Mumbai
Kohli’s funeral procession left his Green Acres residence in Andheri West at around 10 am on Wednesday.
His wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, was visibly emotional as she bid farewell to her husband. Family members supported her as she walked during the final journey.
Several Bollywood personalities attended the funeral, including filmmaker Rohit Shetty, actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, stunt director Sham Kaushal and filmmaker Ashok Pandit.
‘He Suddenly Collapsed’: Family Recalls Final Hours
Speaking to India Today, Balraj Irani said Kohli had appeared to be in good health before suffering the fatal cardiac episode.
“He was completely healthy and this evening he suffered a major heart attack. He was talking to us and suddenly collapsed. Doctors tried to save him, but his life could not be saved and he was declared dead at 5 pm,” he said.
Ajay Devgn Remembers The Filmmaker Who Launched Him
Kohli’s most enduring contribution to Hindi cinema remains Phool Aur Kaante, which marked Ajay Devgn’s debut as a leading actor in 1991.
Devgn paid an emotional tribute to Kohli on social media, remembering the faith the filmmaker placed in him at the beginning of his career.
“Some people change the course of your life forever. Kukuji was one of those people for me. I am forever grateful for trusting me. Kukuji, you will be missed. Om Shanti,” Devgn wrote.
From Raj Kapoor’s Assistant To 1990s Filmmaker
Kohli began his career as an assistant director and worked on Raj Kapoor’s 1971 film Mera Naam Joker before moving into direction.
He made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante, starring Devgn alongside Madhu, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep. The film became a major success and established Devgn as a new leading face in Hindi cinema.
Kohli went on to direct films including Kohram and Suhaag. The 1994 film Suhaag, starring Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma, was particularly remembered for the successful pairing of Devgn and Kumar.
His final directorial venture was Wo Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.
Kohli is survived by his wife Aruna Irani. He also leaves behind two daughters, Pooja and Karisma, from his first marriage to Rita Kohli.
