Phool Aur Kaante director Kuku Kohli dies of heart attack at 77

India: Veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for directing the 1991 hit Phool Aur Kaante that launched Ajay Devgn’s career, died on Tuesday after suffering a massive heart attack in Mumbai. He was 77.

Kohli was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after feeling unwell a few days earlier. He had a blockage and underwent a procedure in which a stent was fitted on Monday. On Tuesday evening, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at the hospital.

His brother-in-law Balraj Irani confirmed the news, saying Kohli had been talking and then suddenly collapsed. Filmmaker friend Ashoke Pandit also confirmed the death, noting that Kohli had been feeling uncomfortable and was admitted the previous day.

Born Avtar Kohli on June 4, 1949, in Peshawar, Kohli worked under legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor on films including Bobby, Prem Rog and Satyam Shivam Sundaram before making his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante. The film, which also starred Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep, became a commercial success and is remembered for Devgn’s iconic entry sequence balancing on two moving motorcycles.

He later directed films such as Suhaag (1994), Haqeeqat (1995), Anari No. 1 (1999), Zulmi (1999), Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002) and Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004). Kohli also served as general secretary of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and IMPPA.

He is survived by his wife, actress Aruna Irani, and two daughters from his previous marriage, Pooja Kohli and Karishma Kohli. Last rites are scheduled for Wednesday at the Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai.