Raj Babbar mourns Kuku Kohli: 'He stood out for his decency and compassion'
Synopsis
Filmmaker Kuku Kohli — the man behind Phool Aur Kaante, the film that made Ajay Devgn a star — died on 25 August at 77. Raj Babbar's tribute captures what mainstream obituaries often miss: it wasn't just the blockbusters, it was Kohli's rare decency in an industry not always known for it.
Key Takeaways
Filmmaker Kuku Kohli died on 25 August at the age of 77 at Kokilaben Hospital .
Veteran actor Raj Babbar paid tribute, calling Kohli a man of 'quiet dignity, humility, and rare warmth.' Kohli directed Phool Aur Kaante ( 1991 ), which launched Ajay Devgn into stardom, along with Suhaag , Haqeeqat , Anari No.
1 , and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa .
Raj Babbar appeared in Kohli's unreleased project Kohinoor , filmed between 1993 and 1997 .
IMPPA president Abhay Sinha confirmed the passing and expressed condolences.
Kohli is survived by wife Aruna Irani and children Pooja and Karishma .
Veteran actor Raj Babbar paid a heartfelt tribute to late filmmaker Kuku Kohli on 26 August, remembering him as a man of quiet dignity, rare warmth, and enduring contribution to Hindi cinema. Kohli, who passed away on 25 August at the age of 77, leaves behind a body of work that shaped popular Indian cinema across two decades.
Babbar's Tribute
Sharing a photograph of the filmmaker, Raj Babbar wrote: Kuku Kohli ji has left us. His passing leaves a deep, painful void in Indian cinema. He was not only a filmmaker of note but also a man remembered for his quiet dignity, humility, and rare warmth. I remember him as gentle, respectful, and always willing to help. He carried his talent with grace and treated everyone with kindness.
Babbar added: Even in our demanding industry, he stood out for his decency and compassion. From the blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante, which launched the talented Ajay Devgn into instant stardom, to memorable films such as Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, his masterful craft left a lasting imprint on popular cinema. My heart goes out to Aruna Irani ji and his children, Pooja and Karishma. Deepest condolences — he will be dearly missed.
Kohli's Cinematic Legacy
Kuku Kohli is perhaps best remembered for directing Phool Aur Kaante (1991), the film that launched Ajay Devgn into instant stardom. Beyond that debut vehicle, his filmography included Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa — commercial entertainers that found wide audience resonance through the 1990s and early 2000s.
Notably, while Raj Babbar was not part of any theatrically released film directed by Kohli, he was cast in Kohli's unreleased project Kohinoor — initially titled Ek Aur Kohinoor — which was filmed between 1993 and 1997.
Industry Condolences
Abhay Sinha, president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), confirmed Kohli's passing and expressed condolences. In a statement, Sinha said: Sad and shocking. Director Kuku Kohli passed away today at Kokilaben Hospital. May Waheguruji bless the departed soul.
Kohli is survived by his wife Aruna Irani and children Pooja and Karishma. His death marks the loss of one of Bollywood's quietly influential directors — a filmmaker whose commercial instincts and personal warmth left an impression far beyond the box office.
Point of View
That distinction is worth noting. The unreleased Kohinoor — a project that consumed years and never reached audiences — is also a reminder that behind every filmography lies a quieter story of work that did not make it to the screen.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did filmmaker Kuku Kohli die?
Kuku Kohli passed away on 25 August at the age of 77 at Kokilaben Hospital. His death was confirmed by IMPPA president Abhay Sinha.
Which films did Kuku Kohli direct?
Kuku Kohli directed Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No. 1, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, among others. He is best known for Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn's career.
What did Raj Babbar say about Kuku Kohli?
Raj Babbar described Kohli as a man of 'quiet dignity, humility, and rare warmth,' adding that 'even in our demanding industry, he stood out for his decency and compassion.' Babbar extended condolences to Kohli's wife Aruna Irani and children Pooja and Karishma.
Was Raj Babbar part of any Kuku Kohli film?
Raj Babbar did not appear in any theatrically released film directed by Kuku Kohli. However, he was cast in Kohli's unreleased project Kohinoor — initially titled Ek Aur Kohinoor — which was filmed between 1993 and 1997.
Who is Kuku Kohli's family?
Kuku Kohli is survived by his wife, actress Aruna Irani, and his two children, Pooja and Karishma.
