1 week ago
Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Dies at 77 After Heart Attack
Kuku Kohli was a filmmaker who made Hindi movies.
He died in Mumbai at age 77 after suffering a serious heart attack.
He had been in the hospital and reports say doctors treated a blockage and fitted a stent.
His condition later became worse, and he collapsed despite efforts to revive him.
Kohli’s first movie as a director was Phool Aur Kaante in 1991.
That film introduced Ajay Devgn and became famous for Devgn’s motorcycle entrance.
Kohli later directed movies including Kohraam, Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No.
1, Zulmi, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and Woh Tera Naam Tha.
Filmmakers and actors, including Ashoke Pandit, Anupam Kher and Ajay Devgn, mourned his death.
Veteran Hindi filmmaker Kuku Kohli died in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at age 77.
He had been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack and reportedly underwent treatment for a blockage, including a stent.
Kohli’s death was confirmed by IMPPA president Abhay Sinha and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, with reports placing the time around 4:30 or 5 p.m.
His 1991 debut film, Phool Aur Kaante, introduced Ajay Devgn and featured the actor’s iconic entrance between two moving motorcycles.
Kohli is survived by his wife Aruna Irani and daughters Pooja and Karishma from his first marriage to Rita Kohli.
- Who
- Hindi filmmaker Kuku Kohli, his family, and members of the Hindi film industry.
- What
- Kohli died after suffering a massive heart attack while hospitalized.
- Where
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
- When
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026; reports said he died around 4:30 or 5 p.m.
- Why
- Reports attributed his death to a massive heart attack following treatment for a blockage.
One Reported Account
Alternative Reported Account
Kohli’s reported birth name
One Reported Account
One report identifies his real name as Sandesh Kohli.
Alternative Reported Account
Another report identifies him as Avtar Kohli; the supplied reports do not resolve the discrepancy.
Reported time of death
One Reported Account
Ashoke Pandit told PTI that Kohli died at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Alternative Reported Account
Other reports said he was declared dead at approximately 5 p.m.
Funeral timing
One Reported Account
Most reports said the final rites would take place on Wednesday, August 26, with cremation at 10:30 or 11 a.m.
Alternative Reported Account
One report said the funeral would be held on Thursday, without matching the detailed schedule.
Key facts
- Age
- 77
- Date of death
- August 25, 2026
- Reported cause
- Massive heart attack
- Hospital treatment
- Treatment for a blockage and placement of a stent were reported
- Directorial debut
- Phool Aur Kaante, released in 1991
- Final directorial film
- Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004
- Family
- Wife Aruna Irani; daughters Pooja and Karishma from his first marriage to Rita Kohli
- Reported funeral arrangements
- Reports mentioned a last darshan at Green Acres in Lokhandwala and cremation at Oshiwara Crematorium on August 26; one report gave Thursday instead.
Quotes
A source speaking to NDTV
A source who provided NDTV with details of Kuku Kohli’s funeral arrangements
“I don’t know how to react because I was very close to him. I can never imagine that he’ll get a heart attack and die. This man was healthy. This man was food conscious. He was physically very fit. This man was always smiling, laughing and full of positive energy. I’ve never seen him sad. Being sad was not written in his life.”
indianexpress.com
“Deeply, deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Kuku Kohli ji. A very fine director, but above all, the most wonderful human being—a pure and gentle soul, always kind, always helpful and always respectful towards everyone.”
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association
Industry association where Kohli served as general secretary
“With a heart that is broken and a profound sense of loss, we mourn the passing of Kuku Kohli — a filmmaker, mentor, colleague and a deeply cherished member of IFTDA, he was the Hon. General Secretary of IFTDA & IMPPA.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Phool Aur Kaante Director Kuku Kohli Dies Of Heart Attack At 77
Ajay Devgn Pays Tribute To Debut Film Director Kuku Kohli, Vicky-Katrina Attend Last Rites
Phool Aur Kaante director Kuku Kohli passes away at 77
Kuku Kohli dies At 77: Director who gave Ajay Devgn his iconic motorcycle entry in ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ passes away
Phool Aur Kaante director Kuku Kohli, 77, dies of heart attack in Mumbai
Filmmaker Kuku Kohli of ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ fame dies at 77 - Telegraph India
Bollywood filmmaker Kuku Kohli dies at 77
Director Kuku Kohli passes away at 77, Ashoke Pandit, others offer condolences
Kuku Kohli Dies At 77: Aruna Irani’s Husband & Filmmaker Who Gave Ajay Devgn His Bollywood Break Passes Away Of Heart Attack
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