“I Didn’t Have an Affair to Break a Home”: Aruna Irani Reflects on Controversy Following Husband Kuku Kohli’s Death

Following the passing of renowned filmmaker Kuku Kohli on August 25, the spotlight has turned back to the private life of his widow, veteran actress Aruna Irani. As the industry mourns the loss of the director—who was married to the actress for over 36 years—archived comments from Irani have resurfaced, shedding light on the intense public scrutiny and the “homebreaker” label she faced throughout her marriage.

Addressing the “Homebreaker” Stigma

For years, Aruna Irani remained relatively quiet about her personal life, largely because her union with Kohli, which began in 1990, followed his first marriage to the late Rita Kohli. In a candid appearance on an ANI podcast, the veteran actress pushed back against the societal tendency to scapegoat the “other woman” in extramarital affairs.

“These wives always badmouth the other woman,” Irani stated during the interview. “See, I am not responsible for keeping you happy; your husband is responsible. Hold him accountable first. Ask him, ‘Why did you do this?'”

She clarified that her intentions were never malicious, stating firmly: “Maine koi ghar todne ke liye nahi affair kiya (I didn’t have an affair to break up a home). But something happens; I don’t know what—only the people involved would know why a third person enters the relationship.”

A Long-Held Secret

The couple, who first met on a film set, chose to keep their marriage under wraps for years. Irani explained that she did not feel comfortable discussing their union publicly while Kohli’s first wife, Rita, was still alive. It was only after Rita’s passing that their relationship became public knowledge.

Beyond the social stigma, Irani also opened up about a deeply personal decision: her choice not to have children with Kohli. The actress revealed that she did not want a child to inherit the emotional complexities of her situation.

“I married a married man, and I am suffering—let that pain be with me only,” she explained. “But if my child asks, ‘Where is papa?’ what do I say? If something happens to the child in the middle of the night, I can’t call him. That’s why I never wanted a child.”

A Legacy Left Behind

Kuku Kohli, whose last directorial venture was the 2004 drama Woh Tera Naam Tha, shared two daughters, Pooja and Karishma, from his first marriage. Despite the unconventional start and the inevitable scrutiny that followed, Irani and Kohli remained together for over three decades until his death.

As the film fraternity remembers Kohli’s contributions to cinema, Irani’s reflections offer a poignant look at the human reality behind the headlines. The actress’s recent reflections highlight a complex narrative of love, accountability, and the difficult choices made in the pursuit of a marriage private from the public eye.