Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn on Wednesday mourned the death of filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who launched him as a leading actor with the 1991 film Phool Aur Kaante, and remembered him for believing in him at the beginning of his career.
Devgn shared a photograph of Kohli on social media along with a heartfelt tribute.
“Some people change the course of your life forever. Kuku ji was one of those people for me. Forever grateful for the faith you had in me. You will be deeply missed, Kuku ji. Om Shanti,” he wrote.
Kohli died in Mumbai on Tuesday at the age of 77 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was known for directing several Hindi films, including Phool Aur Kaante, Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No. 1 and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa.
His association with Devgn proved particularly significant for the actor’s career. Phool Aur Kaante, released in November 1991, marked Devgn’s debut as a leading actor and went on to become a success. The film’s opening sequence, in which Devgn performs a split while standing between two moving motorcycles, became one of the most memorable introductions of a Hindi film actor.
Kohli and Devgn later reunited for Suhaag, which also featured Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma.
Phool Aur Kaante starred Devgn alongside Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani, Jagdeep and Raza Murad. Its music, composed by Nadeem-Shravan, was also widely popular, with songs including Maine Pyar Tumhi Se Kiya Hai, Tumse Milne Ko Dil Karta Hai, Premi Aashiq Aawara and Dheere Dheere Pyar Ko Badhana Hai becoming popular tracks of the era.
Kohli’s personal life was closely associated with veteran actress Aruna Irani. The two married in 1990. Kohli had been married previously and had two daughters.
Irani was visibly bereaved at Kohli’s funeral in Mumbai on Wednesday. Dressed in white, she appeared emotional and was assisted as she made her way to the crematorium.
Several members of the film fraternity attended the funeral, including filmmaker Rohit Shetty and actors Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and Raza Murad.