Veteran actress Aruna Irani was visibly overcome with emotion on August 29, 2026, during the prayer meet for her late husband, filmmaker Kuku Kohli, held at the Celebration Sports Club in Andheri West, Mumbai, according to reporting from multiple outlets including ANI. Kohli, best known for directing Ajay Devgn’s debut film Phool Aur Kaante, died on August 25 at the age of 77 following a heart attack after being admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Bollywood Figures Gather at Mumbai Prayer Meet
According to visual and text reports from Asianet Newsable, numerous figures from the Hindi film industry attended the solemn gathering to pay their respects to the veteran filmmaker. Prominent attendees included Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, who arrived alongside Vicky’s father, action director Sham Kaushal. Both actors were dressed in understated white attire, matching the tone of the memorial. The couple had earlier attended Kohli’s funeral rites held at the Oshiwara Crematorium.
Actor Anil Kapoor also attended the prayer meet dressed in black. According to video footage cited in source reports, Kapoor was seen speaking with Aruna Irani and holding her hand while offering his condolences. Additional film personalities present at the Celebration Sports Club venue included Rajpal Yadav, Gajendra Chauhan, Sunny Kaushal, Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Asha Parekh, Madhoo, Poonam Dhillon, and Ketki Dave, who arrived alongside her mother, veteran actor Sarita Joshi.
Did you know? Kuku Kohli began his career working under legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor and later assisted Rahul Rawail on major 1980s Bollywood productions like Betaab and Arjun, before making his directorial debut in 1991.
Kuku Kohli’s Directorial Legacy in Hindi Cinema
According to source archives, Kuku Kohli made a significant impact on Hindi cinema with his 1991 directorial debut, Phool Aur Kaante. The action thriller launched Ajay Devgn as a leading man and remains widely recognized for Devgn’s entrance sequence featuring balance atop two moving motorcycles. The film also starred Madhoo and Aruna Irani.
Following his debut, Kohli directed several other notable box office hits. According to production records, his filmography includes Kohraam (1991) starring Dharmendra, Suhaag (1994) which paired Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, Haqeeqat (1995), and the 1999 comedy Anari No. 1 starring Govinda, Raveena Tandon, and Simran. His later directorial projects included Zulmi (1999), Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002), and his final venture, Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004).
Family Background and Personal Life
Kuku Kohli and Aruna Irani married in 1990 and remained together for decades, though they did not have children together, as noted in biographical details provided by news reports. Kohli was previously married to Rita Kohli, with whom he shared two children, producer Pooja Kohli and filmmaker Karishma Kohli. Following his passing on August 25, members of the film fraternity and family members have gathered to support Aruna Irani through her grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Kuku Kohli’s prayer meet held?
According to reports, the prayer meet took place on August 29 at the Celebration Sports Club in Andheri West (Lokhandwala Complex), Mumbai.
Which notable films did Kuku Kohli direct?
According to industry data, Kohli directed several prominent films including Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Suhaag (1994), Haqeeqat (1995), and Anari No. 1 (1999).
Who are Kuku Kohli’s surviving family members?
He is survived by his wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, and his two daughters from his first marriage, Pooja Kohli and Karishma Kohli, according to source records.
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