Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Passes Away at 77
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Kuku Kohli died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following a heart attack. He was 77 years old. His death occurred at the Kokilaben Dhirabhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, marking the end of a career that spanned several decades in the Indian film industry. Family members confirmed his passing, noting that the final rites took place the following day.
The final procession for Kohli began at 10 am on Wednesday from his home at Green Acres in the Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West. Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to pay their respects before the body was moved to the Oshiwara Crematorium for the final services. His departure leaves behind a legacy defined by his impact on the careers of prominent actors.
Industry Peers Reflect on His Influence
News of his death prompted a wave of tributes from those who worked closely with him. Salman Khan reached out to the public via social media to offer his support to the family, specifically addressing Kohli's wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani. He wrote, "Rest in peace Kuki ji. Aruna ji, my heart goes out to u. May God give u strength."
Ajay Devgn provided perhaps the most significant testimony to Kohli’s professional legacy. Devgn made his acting debut in the 1991 film Phool Aur Kaante, a project directed by Kohli. Devgn credited the filmmaker for altering his path, stating, "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."
Other notable figures attended the funeral services to show their support. Actors Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were seen at the crematorium. Director Rohit Shetty and comedian Rajpal Yadav also attended the last rites. Javed Akhtar was present among the mourners as the industry gathered to honor the director.
The Professional Legacy of Kuku Kohli
Kuku Kohli established his reputation in the early 1990s. His directorial debut, Phool Aur Kaante, remains a landmark film in Indian cinema, famously known for the introduction of the dual motorcycle stunt performed by Ajay Devgn. This film secured his position as a commercial filmmaker capable of creating massive hits.
His filmography includes titles such as Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. These projects spanned different genres, from action-heavy dramas to musical romances, which were hallmarks of the era. His last directorial effort, Woh Tera Naam Tha, reached audiences in 2004. While he slowed his pace in later years, the cultural footprint of his early work continued to influence the industry.
Kohli is survived by his wife, Aruna Irani, and his two daughters from a previous marriage, Pooja and Karishma. The loss of a director who helped shape the stardom of several current leading men leaves a gap in the history of Bollywood. His work serves as a record of a specific era of Indian cinema, one characterized by large-scale stunts and star-driven narratives that define the public perception of the industry today.