Some partnerships are built quietly, away from the spotlight, even when both people spend their lives within it. That was true of veteran actress Aruna Irani and her husband, filmmaker Kuku Kohli, whose sudden passing this week has left the Hindi film industry mourning one of its most understated yet influential storytellers.
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Quick Info: Kuku Kohli & Aruna Irani
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Passed Away | August 25, 2026 |
| Age | 77 |
| Cause | Cardiac arrest |
| Known For | Directing Phool Aur Kaante (1991) |
| Notable Films | Haqeeqat, Suhaag, Zulmi, Anari No. 1, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa |
| Industry Role | General Secretary, IFTDA |
| Married To Aruna Irani Since | 1990 |
| Funeral Held | Mumbai, August 26, 2026 |
A Filmmaker Whose Work Shaped An Era
Kuku Kohli’s name may not have carried the same recognition as the stars he worked with, but his fingerprints are all over 1990s Hindi cinema. He is perhaps best remembered for directing Phool Aur Kaante, the 1991 action-romance that introduced Ajay Devgn to Bollywood — a debut that would go on to launch one of the industry’s most enduring careers. Devgn has since spoken about how deeply that early opportunity shaped the course of his life.
Beyond that landmark film, Kohli’s filmography includes Haqeeqat, Suhaag, Zulmi, Anari No. 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, the latter notably marking the comeback of celebrated music composers Nadeem-Shravan. At the time of his passing, he was serving as General Secretary of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, a role that reflected the respect he commanded among his peers.
His close friend and fellow filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who confirmed the news, described Kohli as someone who had shown no prior signs of illness, calling his death a sudden and devastating loss for the film fraternity.
A Quiet Love Story, Rarely Told
Aruna Irani and Kuku Kohli married in 1990, a relationship that began, by her own account, on far from romantic footing — the two reportedly clashed frequently on set before slowly growing close. Aruna had chosen to keep much of their personal life private for years, out of respect for Kohli’s first family, only opening up about their story publicly in recent times.
Bollywood Comes Together To Mourn
Kohli’s funeral in Mumbai drew members of the film fraternity who came to pay their final respects, a quiet testament to the impact he left behind despite working largely outside the limelight. For Aruna, it marked the end of a partnership that spanned more than three decades — one built gradually, and held close, long before the world knew much about it.
Remembering A Life In Cinema
As tributes continue to pour in from across the industry, Kuku Kohli’s legacy endures through the films he made and the careers he helped shape — a reminder that some of Hindi cinema’s most lasting contributions come from those who worked steadily behind the scenes.
Our thoughts remain with Aruna Irani and their family during this difficult time.
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