MUMBAI — Veteran Bollywood director Kuku Kohli, who famously launched superstar Ajay Devgn into Indian cinema with the 1991 blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante, passed away on Tuesday afternoon in Mumbai. He was 77.

According to industry sources and close associates, Kohli suffered a sudden, severe heart attack after feeling unwell and was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri, where he breathed his last at around 4:30 PM. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news, remembering Kohli not only as a master craftsperson behind the camera but also as a warm, energetic personality across film trade circles.

"He had no long-term illness; it was a sudden massive cardiac event. Kuku was always full of positive energy, smiling, and physically fit," Pandit shared, noting Kohli's key contributions as General Secretary of the Indian Film and Television Director’s Association (IFTDA) and his involvement with community welfare.

A Legacy of 90s Blockbusters

Born Sandesh Kohli (also known as Avtar Kohli), the director began his career in show business under the tutelage of legendary showman Raj Kapoor. After honing his craft on landmark films like Bobby and Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and later assisting director Rahul Rawail on hit action dramas like Betaab and Arjun, Kohli made his independent directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991.

The action-romance became a box-office phenomenon, best remembered for creating one of Hindi cinema's most iconic entry scenes—Ajay Devgn executing a split across two moving motorcycles. The film catapulted Devgn into overnight stardom and established Kohli as one of the premier action-drama directors of the decade.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Kohli delivered a string of box-office hits, including:

  • Suhaag (1994): Bringing together Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar on screen for the first time alongside Karisma Kapoor and Nagma.

  • Haqeeqat (1995): An action-packed hit starring Devgn and Tabu.

  • Anari No. 1 (1999): A popular comedy entertainer starring Govinda and Raveena Tandon.

  • Zulmi (1999) & Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002): Continuing his knack for high-intensity romantic action thrillers.

His final directorial project was the 2004 drama Woh Tera Naam Tha.

Personal Life and Funeral Details

Kohli is survived by his wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, whom he married in 1990. He is also survived by his two daughters, producer Pooja Kohli and filmmaker Karishma Kohli, from his first marriage to Rita Kohli.

The last rites and cremation are scheduled to take place at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai, with members of the Hindi film fraternity paying their final respects to the beloved director.