Anupam Kher Mourns Kuku Kohli Remembering the Gentle Soul Behind Phool Aur Kaante

The Hindi film industry is mourning the loss of veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who passed away in Mumbai on August 25 at the age of 77. Best remembered for directing Phool Aur Kaante and giving Ajay Devgn his breakthrough, Kohli's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends across the film fraternity.

Among those remembering the filmmaker is veteran actor Anupam Kher, who shared an emotional condolence message on social media. Kher described Kohli as not only a fine director but also an exceptionally kind and respectful human being. He recalled working with him years ago, when Kohli was associated with filmmaker Rahul Rawail, and said his talent, dedication and warmth were evident even at that early stage of his career.

Kher's tribute focused less on industry achievements and more on the person behind them. He remembered Kohli as a “pure and gentle soul” who was always kind, helpful and respectful towards others. His message also extended heartfelt condolences to actress Aruna Irani, Kohli's wife, as well as their family, friends, admirers and everyone who had been touched by the filmmaker during his life.

Kuku Kohli's death came after a sudden health crisis. He had been admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after suffering a heart attack and had undergone treatment for a blockage. Reports said his condition later deteriorated and he suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Tuesday.

For Bollywood audiences, Kohli's name will forever be closely associated with Phool Aur Kaante. Released in 1991, the film marked his directorial debut and introduced Ajay Devgn as a leading man. The movie became a commercial success, with its memorable action sequences — particularly Devgn's now-iconic split between two moving motorcycles — becoming part of Hindi cinema history.

Kohli went on to direct several popular films during the 1990s, including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi and Anari No. 1. His association with Ajay Devgn continued after Phool Aur Kaante, while Suhaag also brought together Devgn and Akshay Kumar in one of their early successful collaborations. His last directorial venture was Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.

Beyond his filmography, Kohli also had a long association with the filmmaking community. Before becoming an independent director, he worked as an assistant under established filmmakers, including Rahul Rawail. That early experience helped shape the filmmaker who would later make his mark with action-driven commercial cinema.

His passing is also a deeply personal loss for Aruna Irani, one of Hindi cinema's most respected veteran actors. Kohli and Irani were married, and he is survived by her as well as two daughters, Pooja and Karishma, from his first marriage to Rita Kohli.

As tributes continue to pour in, Anupam Kher's words offer a glimpse into a side of Kuku Kohli that audiences rarely saw on screen. Films such as Phool Aur Kaante may remain his most visible legacy, but for the people who worked alongside him, it was apparently his warmth and generosity that left the deepest impression.

Kuku Kohli may have worked behind the camera, but his contribution to Bollywood reached far beyond a list of credits. He helped launch one of Hindi cinema's enduring stars, delivered films that remain familiar to generations of viewers and built lasting relationships within the industry. As Anupam Kher aptly remembered, the loss is not simply that of a filmmaker, but of a “wonderful human being.” May he rest in peace.