Departures of note

Avtar "Kuku" Kohli was an Indian film director, writer, editor and screenwriter who worked in Hindi cinema for more than three decades. Born in Peshawar, he began his career under Raj Kapoor, where he honed his filmmaking skills before moving into direction and screenwriting.

Kohli served as second unit director on Betaab, the launch vehicle for Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, and worked on Arjun. He made his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante (1991), which gave Ajay Devgn his first break and became a blockbuster, achieving diamond jubilee status. He went on to direct Kohraam, Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No.1, Zulmi, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and Woh Tera Naam Tha, several of which were box-office successes.

His film Haqeeqat (1995) earned nominations in seven categories, including best director, at the Filmfare Awards. He married actress Aruna Irani in 1990. Kohli died of a heart attack on 25 August 2026 at the age of 77.