Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for launching Ajay Devgn in Phool Aur Kaante, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. He suffered a heart attack and breathed his last at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai.
His last rites will be held today at the Oshiwara crematorium. Several celebrities, including Mahabharat actor Gajendra Chauhan, are arriving to pay their final respects.
Began his journey in films with Raj Kapoor
Kuku Kohli started his career in the film industry as an assistant to Raj Kapoor and worked on his film Bobby. During his years with the veteran filmmaker, Kohli learned the finer aspects of filmmaking.
He later worked as the second-unit director on Betaab, the hit film starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh. He was subsequently associated with Arjun before going on to establish himself as a director.
Kuku Kohli was an assistant to Raj Kapoor in films like Bobby, Prem Rog, and Satyam Shivam Sundaram.
Made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante
Kuku Kohli stepped into the director’s chair in 1991 with Phool Aur Kaante, which also marked Ajay Devgn’s Bollywood debut. The film was a major hit and helped establish Ajay as a leading actor. Kohli later directed films such as Kohraam and Suhaag. The latter was also significant as it marked Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar’s first film together.
Haqeeqat received seven Filmfare nominations
In 1995, Kuku Kohli directed Haqeeqat, starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu. The film received nominations in seven categories at the Filmfare Awards, while Kohli was also nominated for Best Director.
He later directed Zulmi, Anari No. 1 and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final film as a director, Woh Tera Naam Tha, was released in 2004.
Kuku Kohli’s first marriage was with Rita Kohli
Kuku Kohli was married twice. His first wife was Rita Kohli, and the couple had two daughters, Pooja and Karishma
Kuku Kohli’s first wife, Rita, passed away about 6 years ago.
Meanwhile, Kuku Kohli’s second marriage was to actress Aruna Irani. The two first met on the sets of the film Kohram. Initially, they did not get along at all. However, while working, Kuku Kohli took great care of Aruna. Gradually, their friendship grew, and this friendship turned into love.
When Aruna fell in love with Kuku, she discovered that Kuku was already married. He also had two daughters with his first wife, Rita Kohli. Despite this, Aruna continued her relationship with Kuku. The two got married in 1990. However, they did not make their marriage public for many years.
Aruna Irani worked in several films directed by Kuku Kohli, such as Phool Aur Kaante, Kohram, and Suhaag.
Aruna said she did not want to add to the troubles of Kuku’s first wife and her family. That is why she kept their relationship private.
After marriage, Aruna and Kuku decided not to have children. Aruna had said that she made this decision considering her age at the time and the fact that Kuku already had children.
