What Happened to Avtar "Kuku" Kohli?
Avtar "Kuku" Kohli was a prominent Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, and editor, best known for launching Ajay Devgn's career with the 1991 blockbuster 'Phool Aur Kaante'. He had a career spanning over three decades, directing several successful mainstream films. Kohli passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 77, due to a massive heart attack in Mumbai.
Quick Answer
Kuku Kohli, the veteran Indian filmmaker celebrated for directing Ajay Devgn's debut film 'Phool Aur Kaante', passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 77. He suffered a massive heart attack in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Earlier in 2026, he had expressed enthusiasm for the re-release of his 2002 film 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa'. His last rites were scheduled for August 26, 2026, at the Oshiwara Crematorium.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Peshawar
Avtar 'Kuku' Kohli was born in Peshawar.
Began career with Raj Kapoor
Kuku Kohli started his career working under legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, assisting on films like 'Bobby', 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', and 'Prem Rog'.
Second unit director for 'Betaab'
He served as the second unit director for the film 'Betaab', which launched the careers of Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh.
Married Aruna Irani
Kuku Kohli married actress Aruna Irani in 1990, which was his second marriage.
Directorial Debut with 'Phool Aur Kaante'
Kohli made his directorial debut with 'Phool Aur Kaante', a blockbuster that launched Ajay Devgn's career and achieved diamond jubilee status.
Directed 'Suhaag'
He directed the successful action film 'Suhaag', starring Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, marking their first on-screen collaboration.
Directed 'Haqeeqat'
Kohli directed 'Haqeeqat', starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu, which was nominated for 7 Filmfare Awards, including Best Director.
Directed 'Anari No.1' and 'Zulmi'
He directed two films in 1999, the comedy 'Anari No.1' starring Govinda and the action-drama 'Zulmi' with Akshay Kumar.
Directed 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa'
Kohli directed the romantic thriller 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa', which saw the comeback of music maestros Nadeem-Shravan.
Last directorial venture 'Woh Tera Naam Tha'
His final film as a director was 'Woh Tera Naam Tha', starring Arjan Bajwa and Kanchi Kaul.
Daughter Karishma Kohli marries
His daughter from his first marriage, filmmaker Karishma Kohli, married actor Mikhail Yawalkar.
Expressed excitement for 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa' re-release
Kuku Kohli shared his happiness about the re-release of his 2002 film 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa', hoping a new generation would watch it.
Passed away at 77
Kuku Kohli died at the age of 77 from a massive heart attack in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He had undergone an angioplasty after a mild heart attack the previous night.
Last rites performed
His funeral procession and last rites were scheduled to be held at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Andheri West, Mumbai.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Avtar "Kuku" Kohli, born on June 4, 1949, in Peshawar, embarked on a significant journey in the Indian film industry, leaving an indelible mark as a director, producer, screenwriter, and editor. His career began under the tutelage of legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, where he honed his craft by assisting on iconic projects such as 'Bobby', 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', and 'Prem Rog'. He also served as a second unit director for films like 'Betaab' and worked on 'Arjun', gaining valuable experience before his directorial debut.
Kohli's breakthrough came in 1991 with 'Phool Aur Kaante', a film that not only achieved diamond jubilee status but also famously launched the career of superstar Ajay Devgn. This film established his reputation for helming commercially successful, star-driven dramas. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he directed a string of popular films including 'Kohraam' (1991), 'Suhaag' (1994), 'Haqeeqat' (1995), 'Anari No.1' (1999), 'Zulmi' (1999), and 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa' (2002). His last directorial venture was 'Woh Tera Naam Tha' in 2004.
Beyond his directorial work, Kohli was actively involved in the industry's administrative aspects, serving as the General Secretary of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA). In his personal life, he was married to veteran actress Aruna Irani since 1990, his second marriage, and they had no children together. From his first marriage to Rita Kohli, he had two daughters, Pooja Kohli, a producer, and Karishma Kohli, a filmmaker who co-directed the Netflix series 'The Fame Game' (2022) and married actor Mikhail Yawalkar in 2025.
In January 2026, Kohli expressed his excitement about the re-release of his 2002 film 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa', hoping a new generation would experience it in theaters. However, his long and impactful career came to an end on August 25, 2026. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after experiencing discomfort and a mild heart attack, undergoing an angioplasty. Despite initial reports of stability, he suffered a massive cardiac arrest later that day and passed away at the age of 77. His passing was confirmed by industry colleagues like Ashoke Pandit and Abhay Sinha, who mourned the loss of a significant figure in Bollywood. His last rites were held on August 26, 2026, in Mumbai.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Avtar "Kuku" Kohli made different choices?