Madhoo has recalled how filmmaker Kuku Kohli played a crucial role in the beginning of her Bollywood career. The veteran actor remembered the director after his death at the age of 77 and spoke about the opportunity that changed the course of her life.Madhoo revealed in a chat with IANS that she had met Kuku Kohli less than a year before his death. She said their recent meeting had been particularly memorable because the filmmaker appeared to be in good health and spirits at the time.

Madhoo reacts to Kuku Kohli’s death

Madhoo expressed disbelief after learning about Kuku Kohli’s passing. She recalled their recent meeting and said she had not expected to hear the news so soon after seeing him. “Oh my God, I just heard that he has passed away. I can’t believe it. I met him less than a year ago. In fact, I met him very recently, and he was hale and hearty and happy.”The actor said the unexpected loss reminded her of how unpredictable life can be. She also remembered reconnecting with the filmmaker after several years.

Madhoo recalls reconnecting with Kuku Kohli

Madhoo said she and Kuku Kohli spoke about their first meeting when they reconnected. Their conversation also gave them an opportunity to look back at the filmmaker’s initial impression of her.“After so many years, I had reconnected with him, and we spoke about how we first met and what he thought of me. I just can’t believe it. Life is so unpredictable, and I can’t believe this.” For Madhoo, that connection remained closely linked to the beginning of her journey in Hindi cinema.

One phone call changed Madhoo’s career

Madhoo credited Kuku Kohli with giving her the opportunity that turned her into a star. She remembered receiving a call from the filmmaker on an ordinary evening and said it completely changed her life. “And that one phone call from Kuku ji made me a star. I went from being an ordinary girl to becoming an overnight star because of that one phone call I received from him on a random evening. Oh my God, may he rest in peace. Dear God.”

Madhoo made Bollywood debut with ‘Phool Aur Kaante’

Kuku Kohli directed Madhoo in ‘Phool Aur Kaante’, which released in 1991. The movie marked Madhoo’s Bollywood debut, with the actor playing Pooja, the female lead opposite Ajay Devgn. ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ went on to become a commercial success. The movie also marked Ajay Devgn’s debut as a leading actor in Hindi cinema. Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani and Jagdeep were among the other actors featured in the movie. The success of ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ helped establish both Madhoo and Ajay Devgn in the Hindi film industry.

Ajay Devgn and others pay tribute

Kuku Kohli’s death has prompted tributes from several members of the film fraternity. Ajay Devgn remembered the filmmaker and acknowledged the faith he placed in him early in his career. Ajay Devgn said he was “forever grateful for the faith you had in me” following Kuku Kohli’s passing.

Several celebrities also attended the filmmaker’s last rites in Mumbai. Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and Rohit Shetty were among those who paid their respects. Rajat Bedi and Sharvari Wagh were also present at the funeral.