Updated on October 9, 2026
Aruna Irani remains one of Bollywood’s most respected character actresses, known for her sharp performances across hundreds of films. Yet fans often search for details about her personal life, especially her husband. The answer is clear and rooted in a real, long-standing partnership: her husband was the late filmmaker Kuku Kohli. Their story was never loud or flashy. It was private, complicated at the start, and ultimately lasting until his recent passing.
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Who Was Aruna Irani Husband Kuku Kohli?
Kuku Kohli, whose real name was Avtar Kohli, was a well-known Bollywood director and writer. He is best remembered for directing the 1991 hit Phool Aur Kaante, which launched Ajay Devgn’s career. He also worked on films like Suhaag, Zulmi, Kohraam, and others that defined parts of 1990s Hindi cinema. Kohli served in industry roles and stayed active behind the camera for decades. He was previously married to Rita Kohli and had two daughters, Pooja and Karishma, from that marriage. Aruna became his second wife.
How Aruna Irani and Kuku Kohli Met and Fell in Love
Their relationship began on a film set in the early 1990s. What started as professional friction slowly changed. Aruna has shared that she often felt frustrated when Kohli kept actors waiting for shots or clashed over her busy schedule. Those arguments eventually softened into understanding, then friendship, and finally love. She was around 40 at the time. Kohli was already married, a fact Aruna has said she knew because his wife and children sometimes visited the sets. She has firmly rejected the idea that she set out to break a home, stating simply that relationships can develop in unexpected ways and that responsibility rests with both people involved.
Their Marriage and Private Life Together
Aruna and Kuku married quietly in 1990. For years she kept the marriage largely private out of respect for his first family. Only after Rita Kohli’s passing did Aruna speak more openly about their bond. The couple chose not to have children of their own. Aruna later explained that she did not want a child to face the emotional complexities of their situation. She has spoken of finding fulfillment through her large extended family of siblings, nephews, and nieces instead. Their life together stayed low-key. They shared a long companionship built on mutual support rather than public appearances.
Here is a quick overview of key facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Husband’s Name | Kuku Kohli (Avtar Kohli) |
| Marriage Year | 1990 |
| Children Together | None |
| Kohli’s Previous Family | Wife Rita; daughters Pooja & Karishma |
| Kohli’s Passing | August 25, 2026 (heart attack, age 77) |
| Notable Films Directed | Phool Aur Kaante, Suhaag, others |
Kuku Kohli’s Passing and the Legacy They Shared
On August 25, 2026, Kuku Kohli suffered a sudden heart attack in Mumbai and passed away at the age of 77. He was rushed to hospital but could not be saved. The news was confirmed by close industry friends. Aruna was seen mourning at the funeral. Their marriage had lasted around 36 years. Kohli left behind a body of work that helped shape several actors’ careers and a quiet personal legacy of a partnership that endured despite early challenges and public scrutiny.
Aruna Irani’s story with her husband shows a different side of Bollywood life—one where love grew slowly from daily work, faced real obstacles, and still held strong for decades. She has always spoken with honesty about the choices she made, refusing to paint a perfect picture while standing by the life they built.
In the end, the question “Aruna Irani husband” points to more than a name. It points to a real relationship that began with friction, moved through secrecy and judgment, and settled into lasting companionship. Kuku Kohli’s films continue to be remembered, and Aruna continues to be celebrated for her own long career. Their private chapter remains one of the more human stories from the industry.
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