Mumbai: Bollywood came together in grief to pay its final respects to veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who passed away at the age of 77 following a massive heart attack. His funeral was held at Mumbai’s Oshiwara Crematorium on Wednesday, August 26, where several prominent names from the film industry gathered to honour the director and remember his contribution to Indian cinema.
Among those present were Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Rohit Shetty, Sharvari Wagh, Raza Murad, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Rajpal Yadav, Ashoke Pandit, Tiku Talsania, Tej Sapru and several other members of the film fraternity. The celebrities appeared visibly sombre as they arrived at the crematorium to bid a final goodbye to the filmmaker.
Kohli’s wife, veteran actor Aruna Irani, was seen arriving with family members and appeared deeply devastated by the loss. She was supported by relatives during the final rites. The filmmaker’s last journey began from his residence in Green Acres, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, at around 10 am before proceeding towards Oshiwara Crematorium.
Kuku Kohli is best remembered for directing Phool Aur Kaante, the 1991 film that marked Ajay Devgn’s debut as a leading actor. The film became an important milestone in Devgn’s career and established Kohli as a filmmaker to watch. He later directed films including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Kohraam, Anari No. 1, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final directorial venture was Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.
Kohli had reportedly been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on August 24 after feeling unwell. He suffered a massive heart attack on August 25 and died despite efforts to revive him. His death brought an outpouring of grief from colleagues and friends across the industry.
Following his demise, several Bollywood personalities also expressed their condolences. Salman Khan paid tribute to the filmmaker and sent his strength to Aruna Irani, while Ajay Devgn also mourned the loss of the director who played a significant role in launching his career.
The gathering at Oshiwara reflected the respect Kuku Kohli earned during his decades-long association with Hindi cinema. From established veterans to younger stars, members of the industry came together to remember a filmmaker whose work remains part of Bollywood’s cinematic history.
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