Veteran Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Passes Away At 77 Due To Heart Attack

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, renowned for launching Ajay Devgn in the 1991 blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante, passed away at the age of 77 following a sudden heart attack. The esteemed director died in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital, leaving behind a significant legacy in Hindi cinema. Scroll down to read the full story.

Kuku Kohli Passes Away At 77

Kohli, whose real name was Sundesh Kohli, was a prominent figure in Bollywood during the 1990s. His death was confirmed by close friend and filmmaker Ashok Pandit, who shared that Kohli had been in good health prior to the unexpected medical emergency. Kohli’s contributions to Indian cinema spanned decades. And he was respected not only for his directorial skills but also for his leadership as the general secretary of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association.

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His debut film, Phool Aur Kaante, remains a landmark in Bollywood history for its commercial success and for catapulting Ajay Devgn into stardom. Following this, Kohli continued to shape the industry with hits like Suhag (1994). It featured the first on-screen pairing of Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, alongside Karishma Kapoor and Nagma. His filmography also includes notable titles such as Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No. 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqana. His last directorial work being Woh Tera Naam Tha in 2004.

Kohli is survived by his wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, and his children Puja and Karishma from his first marriage to Rita Kohli. Even in his later years, he remained passionate about cinema. In January 2026, he expressed his excitement about the re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqana. He was eager for new audiences to experience his work on the big screen. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions continue to influence Bollywood filmmaking.

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