Filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who introduced Ajay Devgn in films, passes away at 77; friend Ashoke Pandit reveals reason

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for introducing Ajay Devgn to the film industry with Phool Aur Kaante, passed away in Kokilaben Medical facility today in Mumbai. He was 77.

Kohli, whose real name was Sandesh Kohli, had been associated with Hindi cinema for several decades.His friend, filmmaker-producer Ashoke Pandit confirms the same to HT City, “He had no illness, it was a massive heart attack.

He was hale and hearty before that. Kuku was also the General Secretary of IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Director's Association).”Kuku is survived He also has two children with his first wife Rita Kohli- Pooja and Karishma.

It also featured Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep.Kohli followed it with Kohraam in the same year and went on to direct Suhaag in 1994, starring Ajay Devgn again, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Strategic Context and Timeline

The film became a hit marked the first pairing of Devgn and Kumar on screen.Other films directed 1 (1999) and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002).His final directorial film, Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004. In January 2026, Kohli had spoken publicly about the theatrical re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, saying he was happy that a new generation would get an opportunity to discover the film in cinemas.

Relevant authorities and designated stakeholders affirmed that regular procedural updates will be shared as the situation continues to unfold.

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The film became a hit marked the first pairing of Devgn and Kumar on screen.Other films directed 1 (1999) and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002).His final directorial film, Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.

Key Developments and Sector Outlook

In January 2026, Kohli had spoken publicly about the theatrical re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, saying he was happy that a new generation would get an opportunity to discover the film in cinemas.

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for introducing Ajay Devgn to the film industry with Phool Aur Kaante, passed away in Kokilaben Medical facility today in Mumbai. He was 77.

Kohli, whose real name was Sandesh Kohli, had been associated with Hindi cinema for several decades.His friend, filmmaker-producer Ashoke Pandit confirms the same to HT City, “He had no illness, it was a massive heart attack. He was hale and hearty before that.

Kuku was also the General Secretary of IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Director's Association).”Kuku is survived He also has two children with his first wife Rita Kohli- Pooja and Karishma. It also featured Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep.Kohli followed it with Kohraam in the same year and went on to direct Suhaag in 1994, starring Ajay Devgn again, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma.

The film became a hit marked the first pairing of Devgn and Kumar on screen.Other films directed 1 (1999) and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002).His final directorial film, Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004. In January 2026, Kohli had spoken publicly about the theatrical re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, saying he was happy that a new generation would get an opportunity to discover the film in cinemas.