Bollywood Comes Together to Bid Farewell to Kuku Kohli as Aruna Irani Receives Support From Industry Friends

The Hindi film industry came together in Mumbai on Wednesday to bid a final farewell to veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who passed away at the age of 77 following a cardiac arrest. Several prominent Bollywood personalities arrived at the Oshiwara crematorium to pay their last respects and stand beside Kohli's grieving wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, during an incredibly difficult moment.

Among the first notable arrivals were Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, who came together to attend the final rites. The star couple kept the mood solemn as they joined other members of the film fraternity in remembering the filmmaker. Their presence was a reflection of the widespread respect Kohli continued to command across generations of the Hindi film industry.

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty also arrived at the crematorium to pay his respects. Known for his own contribution to mainstream Hindi cinema, Shetty was among the industry figures who came to honour a director whose career was closely associated with the commercial filmmaking of the 1990s. Veteran actors and filmmakers continued to arrive throughout the funeral as the industry gathered around the Kohli family.

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi and celebrated writer Javed Akhtar also attended the funeral together. Their presence added to the gathering of some of Hindi cinema's most respected names. Actress Sharvari Wagh was also seen at the crematorium, wearing a mask as she joined the mourners paying tribute to the late filmmaker.

The funeral also saw the arrival of veteran action director Sham Kaushal, who came to offer his final respects. Actor Rajpal Yadav was spotted arriving with a visibly sombre expression, while Rajat Bedi also attended the last rites. The gathering included professionals from different generations and departments of the film industry, highlighting the wide network of relationships Kohli built during his decades in cinema.

Tiku Talsania had a particularly personal connection to the filmmaker, having worked with Kohli on Suhaag. The veteran actor attended the funeral to say goodbye to his former collaborator and friend. Other respected names, including Raza Murad, Deepak Parashar and Gajendra Chauhan, also arrived to mourn the loss and remember their association with Kohli.

Kuku Kohli's biggest contribution to Bollywood remains Phool Aur Kaante, the 1991 blockbuster that launched Ajay Devgn as a leading man. The film's iconic opening stunt, featuring Devgn balancing between two moving motorcycles, became an unforgettable introduction and helped establish the actor's action-hero image. Kohli went on to direct several popular films, including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi and Anari No. 1.

For Aruna Irani, however, the funeral was about much more than a celebrated film career. The actress appeared devastated as she faced the loss of her husband. The couple had been married since 1990, and fellow members of the industry gathered not only to honour Kohli but also to support Irani and her family through their grief.

Kiran Juneja and Ashoke Pandit were among those who arrived to stand by Aruna Irani. Their presence, along with that of so many colleagues and friends, turned the funeral into a deeply emotional gathering for the Bollywood community. At a time when words can feel inadequate, the steady stream of familiar faces offered a quiet message of solidarity to the grieving family.

Kuku Kohli may be remembered by audiences for the films he made and the stars he helped shape, but the farewell at Oshiwara showed that his impact extended well beyond the screen. From major stars such as Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif to veteran names who had worked alongside him decades ago, Bollywood came together to honour a filmmaker whose journey left a lasting mark on Hindi cinema.

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