The Indian film fraternity is in deep mourning following the passing of acclaimed veteran director and screenwriter Kuku Kohli, who breathed his last at the age of 77 on August 25, 2026, after suffering a massive cardiac arrest in Mumbai.
Best acknowledged for helming major commercial blockbusters and shaping iconic Bollywood careers, Kohli leaves behind a rich legacy spanning over three decades in Hindi cinema.
Among the first to express profound grief was Salman Khan who took to social media to offer a heartfelt farewell to the late director. Remembering him fondly, Khan extended his deepest condolences and strength to Kohli’s grieving wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani,
Salman shared:
“Rest in peace Kukuji, Arunaji my heart goes out to you.
May GOD give u strength and fortitude to sustain this irreparable loss”
Kuku Kohli is universally celebrated in the industry for directing the 1991 action-romance blockbuster “Phool Aur Kaante” which famously introduced Ajay Devgn as a leading man and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Reflecting on the monumental impact the filmmaker had on his life and career, Devgn paid an emotional tribute, stating that Kohli fundamentally altered the course of his personal and professional journey.
News Edit KV Raman
