Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Dies at 77; Industry Pays Tribute
Kuku Kohli, 77, died of a heart attack in Mumbai. His final rites drew Javed Akhtar, Ashoke Pandit, and others who remembered his films and philanthropy.
Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77 after suffering a heart attack at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. His final rites were held on Wednesday, with several members of the film fraternity gathering to pay their last respects.
Among those present were lyricist Javed Akhtar and his wife, actor Shabana Azmi. Akhtar recalled their long association, noting that they had worked together on films like 'Betaab' and 'Dakait'. He described Kohli as a wonderful man and expressed deep sorrow at his passing.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also attended the cremation and spoke warmly of Kohli, highlighting his legacy as a filmmaker and storyteller. Pandit mentioned that Kohli and his wife, actor Aruna Irani, had established an old-age home in Lonavala, where around 100 to 150 elderly couples reside. He praised Kohli's inspiring journey and his contribution to cinema.
Actor Ashish Vidyarthi, who never had the chance to work with Kohli, said he was saddened by the news, recalling a meeting with him several years ago.
The funeral procession began at 10 am from Kohli's residence in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, and proceeded to Oshiwara Crematorium. Celebrities including Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Rohit Shetty, and Rajpal Yadav were seen paying their respects. Aruna Irani was visibly emotional as she arrived at the crematorium.
Kohli made his directorial debut with 'Phool Aur Kaante' and went on to direct films such as 'Suhaag' (1994), 'Haqeeqat', 'Zulmi', 'Anari No. 1', and 'Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa'.