Kuku Kohli, Director Who Launched Ajay Devgn’s Career, Dies at 77

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing Phool Aur Kaante — the 1991 film that launched Ajay Devgn’s Bollywood career — has died at the age of 77 following a heart attack.

What happened

Kohli, whose real name was Avtar Kohli, was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Monday after feeling unwell. He passed away the following day, Tuesday, August 26, around 4:30 pm, after suffering a massive heart attack. The news was confirmed by his close friend and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, along with Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) president Abhay Sinha.

Sinha said in a statement: “Sad and shocking. Director Kuku Kohli passed away today at Kokilaben Hospital. May Waheguruji bless the departed soul.” Pandit, sharing a throwback photo on Instagram, wrote: “Will miss you Kuku ji. Om Shanti,” and later described losing Kohli as losing “a very close friend.”

A career built under Raj Kapoor

Born in Peshawar, Kohli trained for years under the legendary Raj Kapoor before beginning his own career behind the camera. He worked as second unit director on 1983’s Betaab and 1985’s Arjun, both of which helped launch Sunny Deol’s stardom, before assisting director Rahul Rawail on those same blockbuster productions.

Phool Aur Kaante and beyond

Kohli made his directorial debut in 1991 with Phool Aur Kaante, an action thriller that also starred Madhoo and Aruna Irani — and became the film that introduced audiences to a young Ajay Devgn, who would go on to become one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

Kohli continued directing through the ’90s, helming films including Kohraam with Dharmendra, Suhaag with Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma, and Haqeeqat, which reunited him with Devgn alongside Tabu. His 1999 comedy Anari No. 1, starring Govinda, Raveena Tandon and Simran, was another major commercial success, as was the same year’s Zulmi with Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna.

Beyond directing, Kohli was also active in Bollywood’s industry bodies, serving as General Secretary of both IFTDA and IMPPA. Pandit remembered him as a “great technician,” “great thinker,” and someone who “never said no to anything,” recalling his consistent willingness to help others in the industry. Kohli was also known for his social work, remaining actively involved with an old age home he supported in Lonavala.

Survived by family

Kohli is survived by his wife, actor Aruna Irani, whom he married in 1990, along with two children, Pooja and Karishma, from his first marriage to Rita Kohli.

His last rites were held at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai.

Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the wider film community mourning his loss.

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