The Indian film fraternity has lost another of its prominent commercial architects. Veteran director, producer, and screenwriter Avtar “Kuku” Kohli passed away at the age of 77. The filmmaker breathed his last on August 25, 2026, at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.
Known widely for shaping the landscape of 1990s commercial Bollywood cinema and launching iconic careers, Kohli’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the industry, drawing condolences from actors, filmmakers, and legions of fans.
Kuku Kohli had been experiencing health complications days prior to his passing. According to family sources and hospital updates, the director was admitted to the hospital a couple of days earlier after feeling unwell. He had successfully undergone a medical procedure for a heart blockage, with a stent fitted to aid recovery.
Family members shared that Kohli appeared to be recovering well and was conversing normally with his wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, at the hospital. However, his condition deteriorated abruptly on Tuesday evening at around 5:00 PM, when he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away despite immediate medical intervention. His final rites were scheduled to take place at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Andheri West, Mumbai.
Born in Peshawar on June 4, 1949, Kuku Kohli spent decades mastering his craft within the Hindi film industry. Before stepping into independent direction, he spent years behind the scenes, assisting legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor on monumental cinematic classics such as Bobby, Prem Rog, and Satyam Shivam Sundaram, as well as working on action-dramas like Betaab.
Kohli’s career-defining moment arrived in 1991 when he directed Phool Aur Kaante starring Ajay Devgn and Madhoo. The action-romance not only became a massive box-office phenomenon but is etched in cinematic history for introducing superstar Ajay Devgn to leading roles—famously cemented by Devgn’s gravity-defying entry balancing on two moving motorcycles.
Following this breakthrough, Kohli helmed several major mainstream blockbusters throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including:
- Suhaag (1994): Starring Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, and Nagma.
- Haqeeqat (1995): An action drama starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu, which earned critical acclaim and multiple nominations.
- Anari No. 1 (1999): A hit comedy starring Govinda.
- Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002): A romantic action thriller remembered for its chartbuster soundtrack.
On the personal front, Kuku Kohli shared a long-standing and respected partnership with veteran actress Aruna Irani, whom he married in 1990.
Prior to his marriage to Irani, Kohli was married to Rita Kohli, with whom he shared two daughters—Pooja Kohli, a noted film producer, and Karishma Kohli, a prominent director who has worked extensively across feature films and digital streaming series.
As the film fraternity bids farewell to Kuku Kohli, his rich contribution to commercial Hindi cinema—defined by high-octane action, memorable music, and star-making moments—remains an indelible part of Bollywood history.
By: Bollyo
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