Kuku Kohli Funeral: Bollywood Comes Together to Bid Farewell to Veteran Filmmaker

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli was given a final farewell in Mumbai on Wednesday, August 26, with several prominent names from the Hindi film industry gathering to pay their respects. The filmmaker, who died at the age of 77 on August 25, was remembered by colleagues and members of the film fraternity at his last rites at Oshiwara Crematorium.

Kohli's death marked the end of a filmmaking career closely associated with some of the memorable commercial films of the 1990s. His directorial debut, Phool Aur Kaante, not only became a popular success but also introduced Ajay Devgn as a leading actor. Over the years, Kohli worked across several films and established a distinct place for himself in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Aruna Irani's emotional farewell

The funeral was particularly difficult for veteran actor Aruna Irani, Kohli's wife. She arrived at the crematorium accompanied by members of the family as she prepared to say goodbye to her husband.

The atmosphere at the venue remained subdued as friends, relatives and industry colleagues gathered around the family. Irani appeared visibly emotional during the proceedings, reflecting the personal loss behind the public farewell.

The final viewing was held earlier in the morning at the family's residence in Andheri West. The funeral procession subsequently left the residence at around 10 am, with the cremation taking place later at the Oshiwara Crematorium.

Bollywood stars arrive to pay their respects

A number of well-known personalities from Bollywood attended the funeral. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were among those who arrived at the crematorium, while director Rohit Shetty was also present.

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi joined other members of the film community in paying their final respects. Actors and filmmakers including Sham Kaushal, Raza Murad and Deepak Parashar were also seen at the venue.

Rohit Shetty's emotional departure from the funeral was among the moments that reflected the somber mood surrounding the gathering. For many in the industry, the event was an opportunity to acknowledge Kohli's contribution to Hindi cinema and the relationships he had built during his career.

A filmmaker remembered for 1990s Bollywood

Kuku Kohli, born Avtar Kohli, began his career behind the scenes before moving into direction. His early experience included working as an assistant director, including on Raj Kapoor's Mera Naam Joker.

His breakthrough as a director came with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991. The film featured Ajay Devgn alongside Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep. Its success helped establish Devgn as a prominent new face in Hindi cinema.

Kohli subsequently directed films including Kohraam, Suhaag and Haqeeqat. His association with Ajay Devgn continued with Suhaag, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma. His later credits included Anari No. 1, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final directorial venture was Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.

Ajay Devgn remembers the filmmaker

Kohli's death also prompted an emotional tribute from Ajay Devgn, whose career was closely connected to the filmmaker's most recognised work.

Devgn acknowledged the confidence Kohli had shown in him at the beginning of his acting journey. His tribute highlighted the lasting influence a filmmaker can have on an actor's career, particularly when that relationship begins at such an important stage.

The bond between the two was strengthened by their subsequent collaboration in Suhaag, several years after Phool Aur Kaante.

Sudden loss leaves industry mourning

Kohli's death came after a sudden cardiac emergency. He had been receiving treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai before his condition deteriorated on August 25. He was 77.

His passing has brought renewed attention to a generation of Hindi filmmakers who shaped the commercial cinema landscape of the 1990s. While his directorial career ended more than two decades ago, films such as Phool Aur Kaante and Suhaag remain significant parts of that era's Bollywood history.

As family members completed the final rites, the presence of actors, directors, writers and other industry figures served as a public tribute to a filmmaker whose work helped launch one of Hindi cinema's enduring stars. Kuku Kohli's legacy will continue through the films he made and the careers he helped shape.