Aruna Irani Reflects on Life and Legacy Following the Passing of Husband Kuku Kohli

The Indian film fraternity is mourning the loss of veteran filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who passed away this Tuesday. As the industry pays tribute to his contributions, the spotlight has returned to his complex and deeply personal 36-year marriage to the legendary actress Aruna Irani. In light of his passing, past insights from Irani have resurfaced, shedding light on why the couple consciously chose not to have children.

The relationship between Irani and Kohli was long subject to public scrutiny, primarily because Kohli was already married when they tied the knot. In a candid interview with Lehren, Irani spoke openly about the emotional toll of being a “second wife,” describing the situation as a “one-way lane” from which she found it impossible to turn back.

The Decision to Remain Childless

One of the most poignant aspects of Irani’s reflection was her decision to remain childless throughout her marriage. Drawing from her own upbringing, the actress revealed that she grew up as the daughter of a man who had two wives. She recounted the trauma of her childhood, where she was often forbidden from calling her father “Papa” in public to maintain appearances.

“I didn’t want my kids to go through that pain,” she explained. “I didn’t have the courage like Neena Gupta. She had the strength to have a child on her own terms, but I didn’t want my child to face the taunts or the absence of a father.”

Irani emphasized that her primary concern was the emotional well-being of a potential child. She noted that because Kohli was already committed to his first family, there would have been inevitable friction regarding his availability. She feared that if a child constantly craved their father’s presence—only for him to be unavailable—it would have caused immense suffering for both the child and herself. “We are happy without having kids,” she had noted, prioritizing the child’s psychological peace over societal expectations.

A Complicated Bond

The actress further revealed that their journey was not without its internal struggles. There were instances where she attempted to step away from the relationship, hoping to encourage Kohli to focus on his primary family, but he never allowed her to leave. This devotion, despite the circumstances, defined the 36 years they spent together.

As the industry remembers Kuku Kohli, Aruna Irani’s story serves as a reminder of the difficult, behind-the-scenes compromises that many public figures navigate in their personal lives. Her decision to forgo motherhood was, in her words, an act of protection—a way to shield a child from the societal stigmas and personal heartache she had experienced firsthand.

The story of the veteran actress’s choices has sparked renewed conversation about the complexities of love and duty. For those looking for more details on her reflections, you can read the full account of Aruna Irani’s candid interview regarding her life with the filmmaker.