Kuku Kohli Funeral: Aruna Irani Bids Emotional Farewell as Bollywood Mourns
Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing Phool Aur Kaante and giving Ajay Devgn his first major break, was given his final farewell in Mumbai on Wednesday, August 26. Kohli passed away on August 25 at the age of 77 after suffering a massive heart attack. His last rites were held at the Oshiwara Crematorium.
Aruna Irani Pays Emotional Final Tribute
Kuku Kohli's wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, was visibly emotional as she arrived for the funeral. Accompanied by family members, she appeared devastated while bidding farewell to her husband. The funeral procession had begun from their Green Acres residence in Andheri West at around 10 am, with the cremation taking place around noon.
The couple had been married since 1990. Kohli's sudden death has left family, friends and members of the Hindi film industry mourning the loss of a filmmaker remembered for his contribution to mainstream Bollywood cinema.
Bollywood Celebrities Pay Their Respects
Several prominent Bollywood personalities attended Kuku Kohli's funeral to offer their condolences. Rohit Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal and Sham Kaushal were among those spotted at the crematorium. Veteran personalities including Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Ashoke Pandit, Tiku Talsania, Rajat Bedi and Raza Murad also attended the last rites.
The gathering reflected the filmmaker's long association with the Hindi film fraternity. Many colleagues and friends came together to remember his contribution to cinema and stand by Aruna Irani and the family during the difficult moment.
Kuku Kohli's Contribution to Bollywood
Kuku Kohli's most enduring legacy remains Phool Aur Kaante, his 1991 directorial debut that introduced Ajay Devgn to Bollywood. The film became an important milestone in Devgn's career and established Kohli as a prominent filmmaker of the 1990s.
He subsequently directed films including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, Zulmi, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and Woh Tera Naam Tha. His films were known for their mainstream commercial appeal and memorable music and performances.
Ajay Devgn Remembers His Mentor
Ajay Devgn also paid an emotional tribute to Kuku Kohli following his death. Remembering the filmmaker who gave him his first break, Devgn expressed gratitude for the faith Kohli had placed in him at the beginning of his career.
Kuku Kohli's passing marks the end of a significant chapter in 1990s Hindi cinema. As Bollywood colleagues gathered to bid him farewell, his contribution to the industry—and particularly his role in launching Ajay Devgn—remained central to the tributes
