Mumbai, August 25, 2026: Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best remembered for launching Ajay Devgn with the 1991 hit Phool Aur Kaante, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 77 after suffering a massive heart attack.
Kohli was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after feeling unwell. According to family members, he experienced restlessness and a mild heart attack on Monday night. He underwent angioplasty, and a stent was placed to treat a blockage. He appeared to be recovering well.
However, on Tuesday around 5:15–5:30 PM, he suffered a massive cardiac arrest. His brother-in-law Balraj Irani confirmed that Kohli had been talking to family members moments before he collapsed. Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived.
Aruna Irani’s spokesperson shared that the actress was on a call and exchanging messages with her husband when the tragedy struck. The two were in a light, playful mood just before he stopped responding.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, a close friend of Kohli, also confirmed the news. In an emotional Instagram post, Pandit wrote: “My heart is breaking as I announce the passing of filmmaker Kuku Kohli. Today, I have lost a great friend and a great filmmaker. He was the General Secretary of IFTDA and IMPPA. This is a great loss to the film fraternity.”
Pandit further informed that the last darshan will be held on Wednesday at Green Acres, Lokhandwala, at 9:30 AM, followed by the last rites at Oshiwara Crematorium around 10:30–11:00 AM.
Kuku Kohli (born Avtar Kohli on June 4, 1949, in Peshawar) began his career under the legendary Raj Kapoor, working on films such as Bobby, Prem Rog and Satyam Shivam Sundaram. He later assisted on Sunny Deol’s debut Betaab.
He made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante (1991), which became a major commercial success and introduced Ajay Devgn as a leading man. Kohli went on to direct several films in the 1990s, including Kohraam (1991), Suhaag (1994), Haqeeqat (1995), Anari No. 1 (1999), Zulmi (1999) and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002). His last film as director was Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004).
Kohli is survived by his wife, actress Aruna Irani (whom he married in 1990), and two daughters from his first marriage to Rita Kohli — producer Pooja Kohli and filmmaker Karishma Kohli (known for co-directing the Netflix series The Fame Game).
The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) also issued a statement mourning the loss of its Hon. General Secretary, describing him as a warm, generous and deeply committed member of the fraternity.
Approach Bollywood joins the film industry in offering deepest condolences to Aruna Irani, Pooja Kohli, Karishma Kohli and the entire family.
