Kuku Kohli's funeral: Wife Aruna Irani bids tearful farewell, film fraternity mourns

Filmmaker Kuku Kohli was cremated in Mumbai on August 26, a day after his death at the age of 77. His wife, veteran actor Aruna Irani, was seen bidding a tearful farewell to the filmmaker at Oshiwara crematorium as several members of the film fraternity gathered to pay their last respects.

Kohli, best known for launching Ajay Devgn as a leading actor with Phool Aur Kaante, died at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on August 25. His funeral was attended by Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Rohit Shetty and several other members of the industry.

Kohli's wife, veteran actor Aruna Irani, looked devastated as relatives and family members supported her during the funeral. Family members were seen accompanying and consoling her during the final rites.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal also arrived at the crematorium to pay their respects. Vicky's father, action director Sham Kaushal, accompanied them.

Several other celebrities and industry members were spotted at the funeral, including Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Rohit Shetty, Raza Murad, Tiku Talsania, Sharvari, Tej Sapru, Kiran Juneja, Ashoke Pandit, Rajat Bedi, Gajendra Chauhan and Deepak Parashar.

Kuku Kohli dies at 77

Kuku Kohli died on August 25 after his health deteriorated suddenly. According to reports, the filmmaker had complained of feeling unwell on Monday night and suffered a mild heart attack. He was taken to Kokilaben Hospital, where doctors performed an angioplasty.

Kohli was reportedly stable after the procedure, but his condition worsened the following day. At around 5.15 pm on August 25, he suffered a cardiac arrest, with Aruna Irani by his side at the hospital.

Kuku Kohli's career in Hindi cinema

Born Avtar Kohli, the filmmaker began his career by assisting Raj Kapoor. He spent around 11 years working with the legendary filmmaker and was associated with films such as Bobby, Prem Rog and Satyam Shivam Sundaram.

Kohli later worked with Rahul Rawail as a second-unit director on films including Betaab and Arjun.

His biggest contribution to Hindi cinema came in 1991 with Phool Aur Kaante, which marked Ajay Devgn's debut as a leading actor. The film also introduced Madhoo to Hindi cinema and featured Aruna Irani, Jagdeep and Amrish Puri.

Kohli and Devgn later reunited for Suhaag in 1994. The film also starred Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma.

Over the years, Kohli directed films including Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final directorial film was Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.

Kuku Kohli was married twice. He had two daughters, Pooja Kohli and Karishma Kohli, with his first wife, Rita Kohli.

He later married veteran actor Aruna Irani in 1990. The couple remained together until his death on August 25.