Filmmaker Kuku Kohli, best known for his 1991 directorial debut Phool Aur Kaante that launched Ajay Devgn’s career, has died at the age of 77.Kohli’s friend, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news of his demise. Pandit told HT City, “He had no illness, it was a massive heart attack. He was hale and hearty before that. Kuku was also the General Secretary of IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Director’s Association).”Kuku Kohli made inroads into Bollywood under the tutelage of legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and then assisted Rahul Rawail in two blockbusters starring Sunny Deol — the actor’s 1983 debut Betaab and his 1985 film Arjun.Kohli later made his directorial debut with the 1991 action thriller Phool Aur Kaante, which marked the debut of Ajay Devgn. Also starring Madhoo and Aruna Irani, among others, the hit film featured Devgn’s iconic entry scene, in which he stands with one foot on each of two moving bikes. The filmmaker followed it up with the 1991 action adventure film Kohraam, starring Dharmendra.Kuku Kohli scored another silver jubilee film with the 1994 action film Suhaag, starring Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, and Nagma, among others. He reunited with Devgn for the 1995 action film Haqeeqat, also starring Tabu. Another hit followed in the form of the 1999 comedy Anari No. 1, starring Govinda, Raveena Tandon, and Simran.Kohli then reunited with Akshay Kumar for the 1999 action crime drama Zulmi, also starring the actor’s future wife Twinkle Khanna. He’s helmed only two films in the new millennium — 2002 romantic action thriller Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004).Kuku Kohli was previously married to Rita Kohli, with whom he has two children – producer Pooja Kohli and filmmaker Karishma Kohli, who’s best known for co-directing the 2022 mystery Netflix family drama series The Fame Game, starring Madhuri Dixit. Kohli then married Aruna Irani in 1990, and the couple has no children.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.