Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for launching Ajay Devgn in Bollywood with Phool Aur Kaante, passed away at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai reportedly due to cardiac arrest. He was 77. Born Sandesh Kohli, the filmmaker had a long association with Hindi cinema spanning several decades. His demise has left the film industry deeply saddened.
Soon after the news, Ajay Devgn, who made his debut under Kuku Kohli, shared an emotional tribute for the late filmmaker. Remembering the impact Kohli had on his life, Ajay said that he “changed the course of his life forever” and added that he would be “forever grateful” to him. The actor wrote, “Some people change the course of your life forever. Kuku ji was one of those people for me. Forever grateful for the faith you had in me. You will be deeply missed, Kuku ji. Om Shanti.”
Some people change the course of your life forever. Kuku ji was one of those people for me.
Forever grateful for the faith you had in me. You will be deeply missed, Kuku ji.
Om Shanti.ðŸ™�— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) August 26, 2026
Kuku’s directorial debut, Phool Aur Kaante, went on to become a commercial success. The film also starred Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep.
Phool Aur Kaante actress Madhoo Shah also mourned the death of Kuku Kohli as she took to her Instagram by sharing a story.
Kohli also directed Kohraam in the same year and went on to direct Suhaag in 1994, starring Ajay Devgn again, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma. The film became a hit marked the first pairing of Devgn and Kumar on screen.
Kuku Kohli’s other films titled were Haqeeqat (1995), Zulmi (1999), Anari No. 1 (1999) and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002). His last film as a director was Woh Tera Naam Tha, which hit theatres in 2004.
Kohli is survived by his wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani. He also leaves behind two daughters, Pooja and Karishma, from his earlier marriage to Rita Kohli.
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