Veteran actor Rajkumar Kohli passes away at 93; suffers a cardiac arrest

The Indian film industry bids farewell to one of its legendary filmmakers, Rajkumar Kohli, who breathed his last on Friday at the age of 93. He suffered a heart attack leaving behind a legacy of fantasy films. Best remembered for helming iconic fantasy fiction blockbusters such as Nagin and Jaani Dushman in the 1970s, Kohli's contribution to the world of cinema remains etched in the memories of avid Bollywood enthusiasts.

The veteran filmmaker, born in 1930, embarked on his cinematic journey in the 1960s with the release of Sapni in 1963, followed by the direction of the Punjabi film Dulla Bhatti in 1966. While early projects like Lootera (1970) and Kahani Hum Sab Ki (1973) achieved moderate success, it was the 1976 multi-starrer Nagin that catapulted Kohli into the limelight. Subsequently, he continued his winning streak with another multistarrer hit, Jaani Dushman, recognized as one of India’s pioneering horror films, released in 1979.

Despite the initial success, Kohli's later career saw a shift in fortunes, marked by hits like Naukar Biwi Ka (1983) and Inteqaam (1988). The filmmaker took a step back from the industry in the 90s, directing only one film after the turn of the century. His final release, Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002), was a nostalgic homage to his 70s' triumphs, featuring renowned stars and modern VFX. Unfortunately, the film's lackluster performance led Kohli to bid adieu to the cinematic realm.

Rajkumar Kohli's personal life was intertwined with his professional endeavors. Married to Nishi, a Punjabi film star and his co-star in the 1963 Punjabi film Pind Di Kudi, Kohli leaves behind a legacy survived by his two sons, Gogi and Armaan. Armaan Kohli, his younger son, followed in his father's footsteps and ventured into acting, collaborating with him in Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahaani.

As the industry mourns the loss of a visionary director, fans and colleagues alike reflect on the indelible mark he left on the cinematic landscape, forever immortalized through his timeless contributions. The funeral, scheduled for later in the evening, is poised to be a poignant farewell to a filmmaking maestro whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.