Filmmaker Kuku Kohli, Phool Aur Kaante Fame, Passes Away at 77 After Suffering a Heart Attack

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, Husband of actress Aruna Irani, passed away at 77 on Tuesday, Aug.25, 2026. Renowned for introducing Ajay Devgn with “Phool Aur Kaante,” the filmmaker has left for the heavenly abode, sparking a wave of grief across the film fraternity. After suffering a cardiac arrest, he breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. 

On Wednesday, Aug.26, 2026, several actors and industry personnel were present at his cremation.

Kuku Kohli Breathes His Last in Mumbai at 77

Filmmaker #KukuKohli passed away this evening at the age of 77. Best known for introducing Ajay Devgn to the film industry with Phool Aur Kaante, Kohli went on to direct films including Kohraam (1991), Suhaag (1994), Haqeeqat (1995), Anari No. 1, Zulmi, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and… pic.twitter.com/YpneAN8tB4 — CinemaRare (@CinemaRareIN) August 25, 2026

The sad demise of Kuku Kohli has left havoc in the entertainment industry. At the cremation, Rohit Shetty was spotted leaving with teary eyes, while the Kaushal family, including Shyam Kaushal, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, and Sunny Kaushal, also arrived at the funeral. Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Rajpal Yadav, Rajat Bedi, Gajendra Chauhan, Ashok Pandit, Karanvir Vohra, Tinu Verma, and others also appeared to console Aruna Irani and pay their respect.

Kuku Kohli was feeling uncomfortable and hence was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He passed away due to a massive heart attack around 4:30 pm. He stepped into the world of entertainment with 1991’s “Phool Aur Kaante,” which made Ajay Devgn an overnight star. With a career spanning over three decades, he directed several hits including Kohraam, Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No. 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His last directorial film was 2004’s Woh Tera Naam Tha.