Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli shaped Bollywood with multi-star hits but couldn’t turn his son into a superstar, leaving a dream unfulfilled.
Published: September 15, 2025 12:04 AM IST
Rajkumar Kohli, born on 14 September 1930 in Lahore (now Pakistan), grew up in a family connected to films. From an early age, he learned the nuances of filmmaking alongside his father. In 1963, he began his career as a producer with the Punjabi film Pind Di Kudi. He delivered hits like Main Jatti Punjab Di and Dulla Bhatti, establishing himself as a successful producer.
Kohli later ventured into Bollywood, creating a legacy of multi-star movies that set trends in the Hindi film industry.
How did he revolutionise Bollywood?
Rajkumar Kohli was known for blending thriller, drama, and revenge into his films. His directorial journey began in 1973 with Kahani Hum Sab Ki, but it was the 1976 blockbuster Nagina that truly made his mark. The film, starring Reena Roy, Feroz Khan, Vinod Mehra, Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Kumar, and Jeetendra, combined horror and thrilling sequences in a way Hindi cinema had never seen before.
After Nagina, the trend of multi-star horror and thriller films soared in Bollywood. Movies like Jaani Dushman, Kalicharan, and Karz followed the same formula, delighting audiences across India.
Which stars did Kohli launch and promote?
Throughout his career, Rajkumar Kohli gave several actors their big break, including Reena Roy, Anita Raj, Shakti Kapoor, and Aruna Irani. He also worked repeatedly with stars like Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Sunil Dutt, and Hema Malini. His films often broke records at the box office, earning him a special place in Bollywood.
Personal life and his unfulfilled dream
Kohli married famous Punjabi actress Nishi, and the couple had two sons, Armaan Kohli and Rajnish Kohli. Kohli’s biggest personal ambition was to make his son Armaan a superstar. In 1992, he launched Armaan with Virodhi, featuring veterans Sunil Dutt, Dharmendra, and Gulshan Grover. Despite the star-studded cast, the film flopped.
Undeterred, Kohli produced films like Aulad Ke Dushman, Kahar, and the 2002 remake Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, hoping to replicate his 1970s success. Unfortunately, these films failed to click, leaving his dream of seeing Armaan shine on the big screen unfulfilled.
When did Rajkumar Kohli pass away?
Rajkumar Kohli passed away on 24 November 2023 at the age of 93. Reports suggest he suffered a heart attack while in the bathroom at home. His son, Armaan Kohli, had to break the door to get him out, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Legacy of Rajkumar Kohli
Despite the personal setback of his son’s career, Kohli’s contribution to Bollywood remains unmatched. He revolutionised multi-star films, brought horror and thriller genres to the mainstream, and gave several actors a launchpad to success. His work continues to be celebrated by film enthusiasts across India.
Highlights:
- Rajkumar Kohli was a pioneer of multi-star films in Bollywood.
- Despite his efforts, Armaan Kohli never achieved superstardom.
- Kohli passed away at 93, leaving behind a legendary cinematic legacy.
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