The Hindi film industry is mourning the loss of veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing the 1991 blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante and launching superstar Ajay Devgn in Hindi cinema. Kohli passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 77, leaving behind a remarkable cinematic legacy spanning several decades.

According to reports, the veteran filmmaker had suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He underwent medical treatment, including angioplasty, and was initially believed to be stable. However, his condition later deteriorated following a cardiac arrest.

His demise has left the Indian film fraternity deeply saddened, with actors, filmmakers, family members and industry colleagues gathering to pay their final respects.

Last Rites Held in Mumbai

Kuku Kohli’s last rites were held at Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai on Wednesday, August 26.

The funeral was marked by emotional scenes as his family and members of the Hindi film industry gathered to bid farewell to the veteran filmmaker. His daughter, filmmaker Karishma Kohli, was seen participating in the final rites and helping carry her father’s mortal remains.

Veteran actress Aruna Irani, Kuku Kohli’s wife, was visibly grief-stricken as she arrived at the crematorium to pay her final respects to her husband.

The couple married in 1990. Kuku Kohli is survived by Aruna Irani and his two daughters, Pooja Kohli and Karishma Kohli, from his first marriage.

Bollywood Celebrities Pay Their Final Respects

Several prominent personalities from the Hindi film industry attended Kuku Kohli’s funeral and stood with his family during this difficult time.

Among those who paid their respects were Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Sham Kaushal, Rohit Shetty, Rajpal Yadav, Sharvari, Raza Murad, Rajat Bedi, and several other members of the film fraternity.

Their presence reflected the respect and affection Kuku Kohli had earned during his long association with the Indian film industry.

Ajay Devgn Pays an Emotional Tribute

One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Ajay Devgn, whose Bollywood journey began with Kuku Kohli’s Phool Aur Kaante in 1991.

Remembering the filmmaker who believed in him at the beginning of his career, Ajay Devgn shared an emotional message expressing his gratitude and sorrow.

He wrote:

“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 tribute reflected the deep bond between the actor and the filmmaker who gave him his first major opportunity in Hindi cinema.

The Man Who Introduced Ajay Devgn to Bollywood

Kuku Kohli will always be remembered for directing Phool Aur Kaante, the film that marked Ajay Devgn’s Bollywood debut in 1991.

The action-romance became a major commercial success and helped establish Devgn as one of the promising young stars of his generation.

The film is particularly remembered for Ajay Devgn’s now-iconic introduction scene, in which he made his entry standing with one foot on each of two moving motorcycles. The sequence went on to become one of the most memorable debut moments in Bollywood history.

The film also featured a strong cast including Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep, Raza Murad, Iqbal Durrani.

Kuku Kohli’s Journey in the Film Industry

Before becoming a director, he gained valuable experience working in the Hindi film industry and was associated with legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. He later worked with filmmaker Rahul Rawail and was associated with films such as Betaab and Arjun.

His years of experience behind the camera helped shape his understanding of filmmaking before he made his directorial debut.

With Phool Aur Kaante, Kuku Kohli established himself as a successful commercial filmmaker and went on to direct several popular Hindi films.

Notable Films Directed by Kuku Kohli

During his career, Kuku Kohli directed several films that became familiar names among Hindi cinema audiences.

Some of his notable directorial works include:

  • Phool Aur Kaante (1991)
  • Kohraam (1991)
  • Suhaag (1994)
  • Haqeeqat (1995)
  • Anari No. 1 (1999)
  • Zulmi (1999)
  • Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002)
  • Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004)

He reunited with Ajay Devgn in Haqeeqat and also worked with leading stars including Akshay Kumar during his career.

A Career Spanning Several Decades

Kuku Kohli’s journey in cinema covered more than three decades. From learning the craft under experienced filmmakers to becoming a successful director himself, he remained closely connected with the Hindi film industry throughout his career.

Although Woh Tera Naam Tha, Producer Vijaypat Singhania (Chairman of (Raymond Group) released in 2004, was among his later directorial ventures, his contribution to Indian cinema continued to be remembered through the films he created and the careers he helped shape.

His work, particularly Phool Aur Kaante, remains an important part of 1990s Hindi cinema.

Remembered by the Film Industry

Following his demise, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Colleagues, friends, and admirers came together to remember not only his work as a filmmaker but also the long-standing relationships he built within the film industry.

IMPPA Vice President Atul Patel fondly remembers Kuku Kohli and shared that every year, Kuku Ji personally brought him a box of mangoes from his own farm in Boisar as a heartfelt gesture of affection and friendship.

During a telephonic interview with Filmypandit, photographer Ashvin Borad, who serves as the IMPPA Social Media Handler, spoke with IMPPA Vice President Atul Patel about Kuku Kohli’s life and remarkable journey in the Indian film industry.

During the conversation, they remembered Kuku Kohli’s contribution to Hindi cinema, his journey as a filmmaker, and his enduring connection with the film fraternity.

His passing marks the end of an important chapter for those who worked with him and admired his valuable contribution to Indian cinema.

A Legacy That Will Live On

From working behind the scenes with some of the most respected names in Indian cinema to launching Ajay Devgn with Phool Aur Kaante, Kuku Kohli’s journey represents an important chapter in the history of Hindi films.

His cinema entertained millions, while his belief in new talent helped shape the beginning of one of Bollywood’s most successful acting careers.

As the film industry bids farewell to the veteran filmmaker, his contribution, films and memories will continue to live on.

Kuku Kohli may have left the world, but his cinematic legacy will remain forever.

Rest in Peace, Kuku Kohli.

Your legacy will live on forever.