The Hindi film industry came together in Mumbai on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to remember filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who died earlier this week. His family hosted a prayer meeting in his memory and it brought together friends, colleagues and members of the film fraternity. The gathering was held at Celebration Sports Club in Andheri West, where people close to Kohli arrived to offer their condolences and stand by his family during a difficult time.
Kohli’s wife, veteran actor Aruna Irani, attended the prayer meeting in a wheelchair. Family members stayed by her side as she arrived at the venue and helped her inside.
Several familiar faces from the film industry also came to pay their respects. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif attended the prayer meet
together and met members of Kohli’s family before leaving the venue. The couple was accompanied by Vicky’s father, stunt director Sham Kaushal. As they stepped out, they were surrounded by paparazzi. Sham was seen helping them make their way safely to their car. Before leaving, Vicky also touched his father’s feet.
Veteran actors Asha Parekh, Madhoo, Poonam Dhillon and Ketki Dave were among those present. Actor Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher also attended the gathering.
Filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai on August 25. He was 77. His funeral was held on August 26, at Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai. Several celebrities arrived at the crematorium to pay their final respects to the late filmmaker. His wife Aruna Irani looked inconsolable, and was escorted by her family members at the crematorium.
Kohli made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991. The film was a box office success and introduced Ajay Devgn to the Hindi film industry. Madhoo, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep also starred in the film. Over the course of his career, Kohli directed several films, including Haqeeqat (1995), Anari No. 1, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final directorial outing was Woh Tera Naam Tha, which was released in 2004.
Kuku Kohli was married twice. His first wife was Rita Kohli, with whom he had two daughters, Pooja Kohli and Karishma Kohli. He later married veteran actress Aruna Irani in 1990.
