Kuku Kohli Funeral: Aruna Irani Pays Emotional Final Tribute to Her Husband
Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing Phool Aur Kaante, passed away at the age of 77 following a cardiac arrest. His funeral was held in Mumbai on Wednesday, where a devastated Aruna Irani was joined by prominent film personalities, including Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, and Rohit Shetty, to pay their final respects.
Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing the 1991 hit Phool Aur Kaante, passed away at the age of 77 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He had initially experienced a mild heart attack on Monday night and underwent an angioplasty at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, but his condition suddenly deteriorated on Tuesday afternoon. His funeral was held on Wednesday at a crematorium in Andheri, Mumbai, drawing family members, close friends, and prominent figures from the Indian film industry. Kuku Kohli Dies: ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ Director and Aruna Irani’s Husband Passes Away.
Aruna Irani Bids Farewell to Kuku Kohli
A devastated Aruna Irani arrived at the crematorium escorted by family members to perform the final rites for her husband. The couple, who married in 1990, maintained a strong personal and professional bond in the film industry for over three decades. Visuals from the ceremony captured an emotional Irani paying her last respects before the final customs were completed.
Aruna Irani Pays Her Last Respects to Husband Kuku Kohli
Film Industry Expresses Grief
Numerous high-profile celebrities attended the funeral service to pay their final respects and offer condolences to Aruna Irani. Among those present were Bollywood actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, director Rohit Shetty, action director Sham Kaushal, along with veteran personalities Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Raza Murad, and Deepak Parashar.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal at Kuku Kohlis Funeral
Industry peers remembered Kohli for his contributions to commercial Hindi cinema and his supportive role behind the camera. Asha Singh Dies: Veteran Film and TV Actress Passes Away After Lung Infection.
Kuku Kohli's Legacy in Hindi Cinema
Kuku Kohli began his film journey working under Raj Kaoor and serving as a second unit director on Betaab before debuting as a director with Phool Aur Kaante (1991), which famously launched Ajay Devgn's career. He went on to helm several successful 1990s and early 2000s mainstream hits, including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Kohram, and Hulchul. Devgn also paid a heartfelt tribute online, expressing deep gratitude for Kohli's faith in launching his career. Kohli is survived by his wife, Aruna Irani, and two daughters from his first marriage.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 01:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).