Mumbai | 26 Aug 2026
Veteran Hindi filmmaker Kuku Kohli has died at 77 in Mumbai after suffering a massive heart attack. Kohli, best known for directing the 1991 film Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn as a leading actor, died on Tuesday, 25 August, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Kuku Kohli Dies at 77 After Massive Heart Attack
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, a friend of Kohli, confirmed the death. He told PTI that Kohli had felt uncomfortable and was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday.
“He was feeling uncomfortable and was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday. He passed away due to a massive heart attack around 4.30 pm.”
— Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker and Kuku Kohli’s friend
Separate accounts from Kohli’s family and representatives said doctors had treated a cardiac blockage and placed a stent before his condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening.
Kohli is survived by veteran actor Aruna Irani and his two daughters from an earlier marriage, Pooja Kohli and filmmaker Karishma Kohli.
‘Phool Aur Kaante’ Director Gave Ajay Devgn His Film Debut
Kohli remains most closely associated with Phool Aur Kaante, his 1991 directorial debut. The action-romance introduced Ajay Devgn as a leading actor and also featured Madhoo, Aruna Irani, Jagdeep and Amrish Puri.
Devgn’s entrance in the film, balancing with one foot on each of two moving motorcycles, became one of the most recognisable debut sequences in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Kohli later worked with Devgn again in the 1994 action film Suhaag, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma, and in Haqeeqat in 1995 alongside Tabu.
Kuku Kohli’s Career Included ‘Suhaag’, ‘Anari No. 1’ and ‘Zulmi’
Before becoming an independent director, Kohli worked in filmmaking under established directors including Raj Kapoor and was associated with productions such as Betaab and Arjun.
His directing credits included Kohraam, Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final feature-film directorial release was Woh Tera Naam Tha in 2004.
Film Industry Pays Tribute as Last Rites Set for Wednesday
Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association president Abhay Sinha also confirmed Kohli’s death and expressed condolences. Ashoke Pandit separately shared a tribute remembering the filmmaker.
Kohli’s last rites are scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 26 August, at Mumbai’s Oshiwara Crematorium. Reports said the cremation was planned for 11 am, following a final viewing earlier in the morning.
