The Hindi film industry came together on Saturday to pay tribute to veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, whose prayer meet was held at Celebration Sports Club in Andheri West, Mumbai.
Kohli passed away on August 25 at the age of 77 after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death brought an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and actors who remembered his contribution to Hindi cinema.
Among those attending the prayer meet were Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Rajpal Yadav, Madhoo, Poonam Dhillon, Anupam Kher and Jackie Shroff, along with several other members of the film fraternity.
Aruna Irani gets emotional
Kohli's wife and veteran actor Aruna Irani arrived at the prayer meet accompanied by family members. She appeared visibly grief-stricken as she made her way into the venue.
The emotional gathering comes just days after Irani bid a tearful farewell to her husband at his funeral in Mumbai. She was supported by relatives and family members during the final rites.
A filmmaker remembered for launching Ajay Devgn
Kuku Kohli is particularly remembered for his 1991 directorial debut Phool Aur Kaante, which gave Ajay Devgn his breakthrough as a leading actor.
The filmmaker went on to direct films including Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi, Anari No. 1 and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. His final directorial venture was Woh Tera Naam Tha, released in 2004.
Several members of the industry have remembered Kohli as a filmmaker who played an important role during the Hindi film industry's 1990s era.
Actress Madhoo, who worked with him in Phool Aur Kaante, recently described Kohli as an easy-going director and recalled his warm working style.
A final gathering of the film fraternity
The prayer meet served as another moment for Bollywood colleagues and friends to remember Kohli's career and personal legacy.
His death has also prompted tributes from actors and filmmakers, including Ajay Devgn, who credited Kohli with placing his faith in him early in his career and helping change the course of his life.
Kuku Kohli's contribution to Hindi cinema, particularly his role in giving a young Ajay Devgn his first major break, remains an important part of his legacy.
