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Cinema · Mumbai

Director Kuku Kohli dies at 77

33 sourcesUpdated 25 Aug 2026, 3:44 pm Coverage regionsMumbai · Global · International
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Kuku Kohli died at 77, with reports describing a heart attack or cardiac arrest in Mumbai.

His brother-in-law, Balraj Irani, confirmed the news in one report and said Kohli had recently been hospitalised for a blockage and fitted with a stent.

Another account said filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the death and described Kohli as previously hale and hearty.

Kohli was best known for Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn's career in 1991.

Why it mattersThe death of a notable filmmaker marks the end of an era for 90s Bollywood action and romance cinema.
More context

He is survived by Aruna Irani and two daughters, according to the reporting.

AGREEMENT VS DISAGREEMENT

What lines up. What splits.

A quick read on shared facts, changing details, and different emphasis.

What coverage agrees on

The reporting broadly agrees that Kuku Kohli died at 77 and that he was closely identified with Phool Aur Kaante. It also agrees that the film helped launch Ajay Devgn and that Kohli is survived by Aruna Irani and two daughters.

What is changing or disputed

Some details could still differ across accounts, including whether the immediate cause is described as a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Further reporting could also clarify the sequence of his recent hospitalisation and treatment.

HOW COVERAGE DIFFERS

Same story. Different emphasis.

Swipe through the perspectives. Labels describe coverage framing, not truth or quality.

Neutral4

Neutral coverage consistently presents Kohli as a veteran filmmaker who died at 77 and was known for Phool Aur Kaante. It notes the reported cause as heart attack or cardiac arrest and repeats the Mumbai setting. It also includes family confirmation and surviving relatives in some accounts.

STORY TIMELINE

How the coverage developed

The latest eight dated reports, from earliest to newest.

GO DEEPER

Read the reporting

Scan each source take, then open the original article.

India Today Neutral framing Provisional rating

Phool Aur Kaante director Kuku Kohli, 77, dies of heart attack in Mumbai

Quick source take

Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away at the age of 77 following a massive heart attack in Mumbai. His brother-in-law, Balraj Irani, confirmed the news, stating that the director had recently been hospitalised for a blockage and fitted with a stent. Kohli is best known for directing Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn's career in 1991, and he is survived by his wife Aruna Irani and two daughters from a previous marriage.

The Times of India Neutral framing Provisional rating

Kuku Kohli, Aruna Irani's husband and 'Phool Aur Kaante' director, passes away at 77 after suffering cardiac…

Quick source take

Filmmaker Kuku Kohli died at 77 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Mumbai. According to a spokesperson for his wife, actress Aruna Irani, Kohli had felt restless and suffered a mild heart attack prior to his hospitalisation for an angioplasty. The spokesperson stated that Kohli suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on Tuesday after initially appearing to recover. Kohli was widely recognised for launching actor Ajay Devgn in the 1991 hit film Phool Aur Kaante.

Livemint Neutral framing Reported

Phool Aur Kaante director Kuku Kohli, 77, dies of heart attack in Mumbai

Quick source take

Filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away in Mumbai at the age of 77 following a massive heart attack. His brother-in-law, Balraj Irani, confirmed to India Today that Kohli had a stent fitted for a blockage days earlier and collapsed suddenly on Tuesday evening. Kohli was celebrated for directing Phool Aur Kaante, which gave actor Ajay Devgn his breakthrough screen debut. His funeral is scheduled to take place at the Oshiwara crematorium.

The Sunday Guardian Neutral framing Reported

Kuku Kohli Dies At 77: What Was Phool Aur Kaante Director’s Cause Of Death? Here’s All We Know

Quick source take

Veteran director Kuku Kohli passed away at the age of 77 at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the death, stating that Kohli suffered a massive heart attack and was previously considered hale and hearty. Kohli was well known for his directorial debut Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn, and he also served as the General Secretary of IFTDA. He is survived by his wife Aruna Irani and two daughters.