Veteran actress Aruna Irani has long been one of Bollywood’s most recognisable supporting stars, known for her powerful performances in films like Caravan, Bobby, Beta, and countless others. Fans often search for details about her personal life, especially the question “Aruna Irani husband.” Her husband was the late filmmaker Kuku Kohli. Their relationship was private for many years, marked by quiet commitment, public speculation, and lasting companionship until his death in 2026.
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Who Was Aruna Irani’s Husband Kuku Kohli?
Kuku Kohli (born Avtar Kohli) was a well-known Hindi film director, writer, and screenwriter. He is best remembered for directing Phool Aur Kaante (1991), the film that launched Ajay Devgn’s career. Other notable films include Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Kohram, and Anari No. 1.
He married Aruna Irani in 1990. It was his second marriage. From his first marriage to Rita Kohli, he had two daughters, Pooja and Karishma. Aruna and Kuku chose not to have children together.
Here’s a quick overview of key facts: Detail Information Husband’s Name Kuku Kohli (Avtar Kohli) Marriage Year 1990 Children Together None His Previous Family Wife Rita Kohli; daughters Pooja & Karishma His Passing 25 August 2026 (heart attack, age 77) Aruna’s Current Status (Oct 2026) Returned to work after his death
Kuku Kohli was also active in industry bodies and remained a respected figure behind the camera for decades.
Their Love Story – From Conflict to Companionship
Aruna and Kuku first crossed paths around 1990 while working on his film Kohram (released 1991). Their early interactions were far from smooth.
- Aruna was busy with multiple projects and struggled to give him the dates he wanted.
- He would sometimes keep her waiting on set for long hours, which frustrated her.
- She has openly said she used to “hate” him at first, and the feeling was mutual.
Over time, the friction softened into friendship and then love. Kuku began adjusting schedules for her, and a deep bond formed. Aruna has described how the relationship developed naturally despite the complicated circumstances. They married in 1990 when she was around 40. Kuku, she said, “fought the world” to be with her.
Why Their Marriage Stayed Private for Years
The biggest reason their marriage remained low-key was that Kuku was already married and had children when their relationship began. Aruna has clarified in interviews that she was aware of his first family—his wife and daughters often visited the sets.
She chose not to publicise the marriage while his first wife was alive, saying she never wanted to hurt anyone. Aruna also rejected the “homebreaker” label that some people tried to stick on her, stating clearly that she did not enter the relationship to break a home. Responsibility, she argued, lies with the people already in the marriage.
The couple also decided against having children. Aruna later explained that she did not want a child to face the complexities of their situation and preferred to carry any emotional weight herself.
Life After Kuku Kohli’s Passing in 2026
Kuku Kohli passed away on 25 August 2026 after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 77. He had been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai the previous day. Aruna, then 80, was visibly devastated at the funeral held at Oshiwara crematorium.
In the weeks that followed, she stayed largely out of the public eye. On 19 October 2026—just under two months later—Aruna shared an emotional Instagram video announcing she had resumed work. She thanked fans for standing by her during the difficult period and expressed hope that their support would continue “till my last breath.” The message showed both her grief and her quiet strength as she stepped back into professional life.
Conclusion
Aruna Irani’s husband, Kuku Kohli, was a significant figure in her life for more than three decades. Their story was never straightforward—it began with on-set clashes, navigated the challenges of a second marriage, and stayed mostly private out of respect for others. Yet it endured until his sudden death in August 2026. Today, Aruna continues working, drawing strength from the love of her audience. Her journey remains a reminder that real-life relationships in the film industry are often more complex and human than the roles we see on screen.
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