‘Phool Aur Kaante’ director who launched Ajay Devgn’s career dies after cardiac arrest
Mumbai: The Hindi film industry is mourning the death of veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who passed away at the age of 77. Kohli, who was married to veteran actress Aruna Irani, died in Mumbai on August 25 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was undergoing treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Kuku Kohli had been admitted to hospital after feeling unwell. Although his condition initially appeared stable following treatment, it deteriorated suddenly on Tuesday evening. He suffered a major cardiac arrest and could not be revived.
The filmmaker’s death was confirmed by filmmaker and close friend Ashoke Pandit. According to Pandit, Kohli had no known serious illness and had been in good health before the sudden medical emergency.
The Filmmaker Who Gave Ajay Devgn His Bollywood Break
Kuku Kohli is best remembered for his 1991 directorial debut, ‘Phool Aur Kaante’, which marked Ajay Devgn’s entry into Bollywood as a leading actor.
The film also featured Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep. Ajay Devgn’s memorable introduction, in which he appeared balancing between two moving motorcycles, became one of the most iconic debut sequences in Hindi cinema.
Directed Several Popular Films
After ‘Phool Aur Kaante’, Kohli went on to direct several films during the 1990s and early 2000s.
His 1994 film ‘Suhaag’, starring Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma, was another major success. The film also marked the first on-screen collaboration between Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar.
His other directorial works included ‘Haqeeqat’, ‘Anari No. 1’, ‘Zulmi’ and ‘Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa’. His final directorial venture, ‘Woh Tera Naam Tha’, was released in 2004.
Married to Veteran Actress Aruna Irani
Kuku Kohli was married to veteran actress Aruna Irani. He had two daughters, Pooja Kohli and Karishma Kohli, from his earlier marriage to Rita Kohli.
Pooja is associated with film production, while Karishma has worked in filmmaking and was involved in the 2022 Netflix series ‘The Fame Game’.
A Lasting Legacy in Hindi Cinema
Kuku Kohli’s death marks the loss of a filmmaker who played a significant role in 1990s Hindi cinema. His name will remain closely associated with ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ and the launch of Ajay Devgn, while his body of work continues to be remembered by Bollywood audiences.
