Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who launched Ajay Devgn with the film Phool Aur Kaante, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai after suffering a heart attack. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news.
Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn, was also Kuku Kohli’s directorial debut. The film became a superhit. He later directed films such as Kohraam, Suhaag, Haqeeqat and Zulmii.
Kuku Kohli began his career in the film industry by working with Raj Kapoor. He spent several years with him and learned the finer aspects of filmmaking. Later, he worked as the second unit director on the film Betaab. Starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, the film was a hit. He also worked on Arjun after this.
In 1991, Kuku Kohli made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante. The film was a hit and gave Ajay Devgn recognition in Bollywood. He later directed films such as Kohraam and Suhaag. Suhaag marked the first time Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar appeared together on screen.
Haqeeqat received seven Filmfare nominations
In 1995, his film Haqeeqat was released, starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu. The film received nominations in seven categories at the Filmfare Awards. Kuku Kohli was also nominated for Best Director.
After this, he directed films such as Zulmii, Anari No. 1 and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His last film, Woh Tera Naam Tha, was released in 2004.
