Filmmaker Kuku Kohli, husband of veteran Bollywood actress Aruna Irani, passed away on August 25, 2026, after suffering a heart attack. He was 77. Two months later, Aruna shared that she is back at work and thanked her fans for their support through this painful period.
Aruna Irani thanks fans in an emotional video
Aruna posted an emotional video on Instagram on Sunday to thank fans for the love and support they showed her after Kuku’s passing. In the video, she said, “After Kuku Ji’s death, for the love you all gave me and supported me, I am truly grateful. I couldn’t believe that in my tough times you guys stood by me. It’s because of your love and support that I am standing in front of you and am able to resume work again. Asha karti hoon ki aap sab, meri zindagi ki aakhri saas tak yun hi mere saath rahenge (I hope you guys will stand by me like this till my last breath).”
Kuku Kohli is taken ill and then suffers a sudden heart attack
Kuku Kohli, the filmmaker who introduced Ajay Devgn to audiences with ‘Phool Aur Kaante’, passed away at 77. He had been taken to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on August 24 after feeling unwell. Speaking to India Today, Aruna Irani’s brother, Balraj Irani, said, “He (Kuku) was absolutely fine, and then this evening he suffered a massive heart attack. He was talking to us and just collapsed.”Though doctors tried to revive him, Kuku Kohli was pronounced dead at about 5 pm on August 25. His last rites were performed around noon the next day, August 26. His wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, looked visibly emotional as she said her final goodbye, joined by relatives from both the Irani and Kohli families. Several people stayed close to support her as she made her way to the cremation.
Celebrities pay last respects to Kuku Kohli
Many Bollywood personalities, namely Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Sham Kaushal and Rohit Shetty, came for the funeral to pay their last respects. Kuku’s notable works as a filmmaker include ‘Suhaag’, ‘Haqeeqat’, ‘Kohram’ and ‘Anari No. 1’. He is survived by his wife, actress Aruna Irani, and his two daughters, Pooja and Karishma, from his earlier marriage to Rita Kohli.