SynopsisKuku Kohli, the popular filmmaker who rose to fame in the 1990s with his memorable Hindi films, has passed away at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by IMPPA president Abhay Sinha. He is celebrated for launching Ajay Devgn's career through the iconic film Phool Aur Kaante. Kohli's impressive career, which lasted from 1991 to 2004, includes multiple successful films.Director Kuku Kohli passes away at 77 (Credit: Twitter)Filmmaker Kuku Kohli, known for directing several popular Hindi films in the 1990s, has died at the age of 77. Kohli breathed his last on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack. Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) president Abhay Sinha confirmed the filmmaker’s death and expressed grief over his passing. While Kohli is remembered for his contribution to Bollywood, particularly for giving Ajay Devgn his first major break, his personal life and marriage to veteran actress Aruna Irani have also remained a subject of interest over the years.Kuku Kohli passes awayKuku Kohli began his career in the film industry by working with legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. He later worked as an assistant director to Rahul Rawail on two films starring Sunny Deol, Betaab in 1983 and Arjun in 1985. These experiences helped him establish himself in the Hindi film industry before he eventually moved into direction.Kohli made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991. The action film introduced Ajay Devgn to Bollywood and went on to become a major success. The movie also starred Madhoo and Aruna Irani.One of the most memorable moments from the film was Ajay Devgn’s introduction. The actor made a striking entry while balancing himself with one foot on each of two moving motorcycles. The scene became an iconic moment and helped establish Devgn as a promising new action star.Kohli continued his run with films across different genres. He directed Kohraam in 1991 and later delivered the successful Suhaag in 1994, which featured Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Nagma. He reunited with Devgn for Haqeeqat in 1995.The filmmaker also directed Anari No. 1, starring Govinda, Raveena Tandon and Simran. He later worked with Akshay Kumar in Zulmi in 1999. In the new millennium, Kohli directed Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa in 2002 and Woh Tera Naam Tha in 2004. These were his final two directorial ventures.Kuku Kohli and Aruna Irani’s relationshipKuku Kohli's professional connection with Aruna Irani eventually became personal, although the two did not have an easy beginning. Aruna had previously recalled that she and the director often argued while working together.According to the actress, Kuku Kohli would sometimes make her wait for hours on set for a single shot. At the time, Aruna was juggling several films and other commitments, so the delays frequently frustrated her. She initially believed that the filmmaker had a problem with her.However, their equation gradually changed. Kohli eventually showed a softer side, and their frequent disagreements gave way to friendship. As they spent more time together, that friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship.Aruna was aware that Kohli was already married at the time. She had also seen his wife and children visiting him on film sets. Over the years, the actress rejected suggestions that she did not know about his marital status.Aruna once spoke about the complicated emotions surrounding their relationship in an interview with Lehren and journalist Bharati S Pradhan. Talking about how people can become emotionally involved without thinking about the consequences, she compared love to entering a one-way lane. She explained that when someone is lonely and finds happiness and emotional comfort with another person, they can become carried away by those feelings, even without considering the difficulties that may come later.Kohli was previously married to Rita Kohli, with whom he had two children, producer Pooja Kohli and filmmaker Karishma Kohli. Karishma is known for co-directing the Netflix series The Fame Game.Kuku and Aruna eventually married in 1990. The couple did not have children together.Why Aruna Irani chose not to have childrenAruna Irani has largely kept details of her married life with Kuku Kohli away from the media. She had previously explained that she did not want to hurt his family and therefore chose to remain private about their relationship.The actress also opened up about why she decided not to have a child with Kohli. Her decision was influenced by her own childhood and family experiences.Aruna explained that she had seen the emotional complications that can arise for children in complex family situations.Speaking about her decision she said, "Woh mujhe pasand nahi tha. Mujhe aisa lagta tha. Ke mere bacche woh face nahi kare. Aaj kal toh shadi nahi bhi hui thi, tab bhi you can have a child. Neena Gupta ji ko dekh ke mujhe lagta hai yeh courage hai. I didn't have the courage. I didn't want my child to face anything. A child's mind goes through a lot. Bacche ke bagair mujhe chal jayega, but I didn't want my kid to suffer."Kuku Kohli’s death marks the end of a chapter for a filmmaker whose work in the 1990s left a lasting mark on Hindi cinema.Read More News on...morelessRead More News on...moreless