The Mumbai skies matched the somber mood of the Hindi film industry today. Following the sudden and tragic demise of legendary filmmaker Kuku Kohli at the age of 77, his wife veteran actress Aruna Irani including family, friends, and leading Bollywood figures gathered to bid him a final farewell.
The funeral rites were held on Wednesday morning at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Andheri, Mumbai. However, it was the heartbreaking visuals of his wife, veteran actress Aruna Irani, that left the entire industry deeply moved. Escorted by her close family members, the actress was completely devastated, struggling to hold back tears as she said her final goodbye to her husband and biggest pillar of support.
Here are the details from the emotional send-off, the events leading up to his sudden passing, and the Bollywood stars who arrived to pay their respects.
Heartbreaking Scenes at Oshiwara Crematorium
Aruna Irani and Kuku Kohli shared a beautiful, deeply private bond that spanned over three decades. Seeing the usually strong and vibrant actress break down uncontrollably outside the crematorium was a painful sight for fans and industry insiders alike.
Dressed in mourning white, Aruna Ji was seen being gently guided by her family members, barely able to walk as the grief visibly took a toll on her. The media present at the venue maintained a respectful distance, capturing the immense sorrow of a woman who had just lost her life partner.
The Sudden Deterioration: What Exactly Happened?
While early reports confirmed that the Phool Aur Kaante director died of a heart attack, a spokesperson for Aruna Irani later clarified the tragic sequence of events leading up to his death.
According to the official statement, Kuku Kohli had experienced severe restlessness on Monday night and suffered a mild heart attack. He was immediately rushed to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where doctors successfully performed an angioplasty.
By Tuesday afternoon, his condition was reported to be highly stable. In fact, Aruna Irani was right by his side, and the two were reportedly exchanging light-hearted banter. However, the situation took an unexpected and fatal turn around 5:15 PM when he suffered a massive, sudden cardiac arrest. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he breathed his last.
Bollywood Arrives to Pay Last Respects
Kuku Kohli was a titan of 90s commercial cinema, famous for launching Ajay Devgn and delivering massive hits like Suhaag and Haqeeqat. His goodwill in the industry was evident as several prominent Bollywood figures arrived at the Oshiwara Crematorium to stand by Aruna Irani in her moment of grief.
Among the first to arrive was blockbuster director Rohit Shetty, whose action-packed cinematic style was heavily influenced by Kohli’s 90s masala template. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were also spotted arriving together to offer their condolences.
Veteran actors and long-time collaborators, including Raza Murad and Deepak Parashar, along with veteran action director Sham Kaushal, were also present to pay their final tributes to the man who shaped a definitive era of Hindi action cinema.
The industry has truly lost a visionary, and our deepest condolences remain with Aruna Irani and the entire Kohli family during this incredibly difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where was Kuku Kohli’s funeral held?
The last rites and funeral of veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli were held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Andheri, Mumbai.
2. What happened to Kuku Kohli?
Kuku Kohli suffered a mild heart attack on Monday night and underwent an angioplasty at Kokilaben Hospital. While he appeared stable on Tuesday, he suffered a second, massive and fatal cardiac arrest later that evening around 5:15 PM.
3. Which Bollywood celebrities attended Kuku Kohli’s funeral?
Several prominent industry figures attended the funeral to pay their respects, including directors Rohit Shetty and Sham Kaushal, actors Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Raza Murad, and Deepak Parashar.
4. How long were Aruna Irani and Kuku Kohli married?
The couple tied the knot in 1990 and shared a deeply supportive marriage for 36 years until his tragic passing in August 2026.
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