Aruna Irani Looks Heartbroken at Husband Kuku Kohli’s Funeral as Bollywood Stars Pay Last Respects
Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli’s funeral was held in Mumbai on August 26, 2026, a day after his death at the age of 77. His wife, veteran actor Aruna Irani, was seen arriving at the Oshiwara crematorium with family members as she bid farewell to her husband. Several Bollywood personalities, including Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and Rohit Shetty, also arrived to pay their last respects.
Kuku Kohli, best known for directing Phool Aur Kaante and launching Ajay Devgn in Hindi cinema, died on August 25 after suffering a heart attack in Mumbai. His death was confirmed by people close to the family, including Aruna Irani’s spokesperson and her brother-in-law Balraj Irani. India Today reported that Kohli had recently been hospitalised before suffering the fatal cardiac event.
Aruna Irani Arrives at Kuku Kohli’s Funeral
Aruna Irani was among the first family members seen at the funeral, appearing visibly grief-stricken as she arrived at the crematorium in Oshiwara.
According to The Times of India, Aruna was escorted by family members during the funeral. Her visible grief reflected the deeply personal nature of the loss after the death of her husband.
Aruna Irani had been married to Kuku Kohli, who remained an important figure in Hindi cinema through his work as a director and filmmaker.
Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif Pay Their Last Respects
Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were among the Bollywood celebrities who arrived at the funeral to pay their respects.
The couple was photographed at the Oshiwara crematorium along with several other members of the film fraternity. Their presence was part of the wider industry response to Kohli’s passing.
Mid-Day also reported the attendance of Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and other film personalities at the funeral.
Rohit Shetty and Other Bollywood Celebrities Attend
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty was also spotted at the crematorium to pay his final respects to Kuku Kohli.
Other names reported at the funeral included veteran actors Raza Murad, Deepak Parashar, Tiku Talsania and Gajendra Chauhan, along with filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and actor Rajat Bedi. Kiran Juneja was also seen at the funeral, while Sharvari was among the younger actors who attended.
The gathering reflected the wide range of connections Kohli had built during his decades in the Hindi film industry.
Kuku Kohli Dies at 77 After Heart Attack
Kuku Kohli died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 77.
According to reports from India Today, Kohli had been feeling unwell and was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. His brother-in-law Balraj Irani said Kohli had a blockage and had undergone a procedure before suffering a massive heart attack.
The filmmaker died in Mumbai on Tuesday evening. His funeral followed the next day at Oshiwara.
Who Was Kuku Kohli?
Kuku Kohli was a filmmaker associated with some notable Hindi films of the 1990s and early 2000s.
His biggest contribution to Bollywood came with Phool Aur Kaante, his 1991 directorial debut. The film introduced Ajay Devgn as a leading actor and became an important starting point in Devgn’s career.
Kohli later directed films including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No. 1 and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His last directorial film was Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.
His filmography connected him with several generations of Hindi film actors, which helps explain the presence of both veteran and younger members of the industry at his funeral.
Ajay Devgn Pays Tribute to Kuku Kohli
Ajay Devgn, whose Bollywood career was launched with Kohli’s Phool Aur Kaante, also remembered the filmmaker following his death.
In a post on X, Devgn recalled the faith Kohli had shown in him early in his career and described the filmmaker as someone who had changed the course of his life.
“Some people change the course of your life forever. Kuku ji was one of those people for me.”
Devgn added that he remained grateful for Kohli’s faith in him and concluded his tribute by writing, “Om Shanti.” His message highlighted the professional and personal significance Kohli had for the actor.
Kuku Kohli’s Contribution to Ajay Devgn’s Career
The connection between Kuku Kohli and Ajay Devgn remains one of the most significant parts of the filmmaker’s legacy.
Phool Aur Kaante not only marked Kohli’s directorial debut but also introduced Devgn to mainstream Hindi cinema. The film became a commercial success and established Devgn as a new action hero.
Kohli and Devgn later reunited for Suhaag in 1994, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma.
For that reason, tributes to Kohli following his death have often highlighted the role he played at the beginning of Devgn’s career.
Bollywood Comes Together to Remember the Filmmaker
The attendance of actors, directors and industry veterans at Kuku Kohli’s funeral underlined his long association with Hindi cinema.
Beyond the photographs from the crematorium, tributes from people who worked with him have focused on his professional contribution as well as his personality away from the camera.
Anupam Kher also remembered Kohli on social media, describing him as a talented director and a kind and gentle person. His message also expressed sympathy for Aruna Irani and Kohli’s family.
The tributes show that Kohli’s legacy extends beyond the films he directed. His biggest lasting impact may be the opportunities he gave to performers and colleagues during his career.
What Is Confirmed About Kuku Kohli’s Funeral?
- Kuku Kohli died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 77.
- His death followed a heart attack in Mumbai.
- His funeral was held on August 26 at Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai.
- Aruna Irani attended the funeral and was accompanied by family members.
- Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif attended the funeral.
- Rohit Shetty was also seen paying his respects.
- Several veteran members of the Hindi film industry attended the last rites.
- Ajay Devgn paid tribute to Kuku Kohli on social media.
What Remains Unconfirmed?
The exact private conversations or emotions shared among family members and guests at the funeral have not been publicly confirmed and should not be assumed from photographs.
Similarly, photographs showing celebrities at the funeral establish their attendance, but they do not necessarily reveal what each person privately said or discussed with the family.
For that reason, the funeral coverage is best understood through confirmed attendance, public tributes and the documented details surrounding Kohli’s death.
Why Kuku Kohli’s Death Matters to Bollywood
Kuku Kohli belonged to a generation of Hindi filmmakers whose work was closely connected with mainstream cinema of the 1990s.
His directorial debut, Phool Aur Kaante, is particularly important because it introduced Ajay Devgn, who went on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most established actors.
His other films, including Suhaag, Haqeeqat and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, helped define different phases of his career.
His passing therefore represents not only a personal loss for Aruna Irani and his family but also the loss of a filmmaker whose work remains connected to an important period in Bollywood history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kuku Kohli die?
Kuku Kohli died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 77 after suffering a heart attack in Mumbai.
When and where was Kuku Kohli’s funeral held?
His funeral was held on August 26, 2026, at Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai.
Was Aruna Irani present at Kuku Kohli’s funeral?
Yes. Aruna Irani attended her husband Kuku Kohli’s funeral and was seen arriving at the crematorium with family members.
Did Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif attend Kuku Kohli’s funeral?
Yes. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were among the Bollywood personalities reported to have attended the funeral to pay their respects.
Did Rohit Shetty attend Kuku Kohli’s funeral?
Yes. Rohit Shetty was also photographed arriving at the Oshiwara crematorium to pay his last respects.
Which film did Kuku Kohli direct with Ajay Devgn’s debut?
Kuku Kohli directed Phool Aur Kaante, the 1991 film that marked Ajay Devgn’s debut in Hindi cinema.
What are Kuku Kohli’s other notable films?
His notable directorial credits include Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No. 1 and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa.
Final Take
Kuku Kohli’s funeral brought together family, friends and members of the Bollywood fraternity as the filmmaker received his final farewell in Mumbai.
For Aruna Irani, the day marked a deeply personal loss. For the film industry, it was an opportunity to remember a filmmaker whose career included several popular Hindi films and, most notably, the launch of Ajay Devgn.
As tributes continue to come in, Kuku Kohli’s contribution to mainstream Hindi cinema—and the opportunities he created for actors and colleagues—remains an important part of his legacy.
