Veteran Bollywood lyricist Dev Kohli cremated in Mumbai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26 (ANI): Veteran Hindi film lyricist Dev Kohli passed away in Mumbai on Saturday at the age of 80. 

He was cremated at the Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai as his near and dear ones bid an emotional farewell.

His co-workers and music composers like Anand Raaj Anand and Uttam Singh attended the last rites of the actor.

Talking exclusively to ANI, composer Uttam Singh said, “One of the biggest musicians of our country, Dev Kohli whose first song ‘Geet Gata Chal’ is still alive, and will remain forever. I am fortunate that my friendship with him was almost 50 years and I got a chance to serve him.  May his soul rest in peace.”

Kohli’s spokesperson Pritam Sharma confirmed the lyricist passed away at his home early this morning. He was unwell for some months now and had been admitted to the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai before being brought home around 10 days ago, Sharma said.     

Kohli is renowned for his contributions to more than 100 films, including ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya,’ ‘Baazigar,’ ‘Judwaa 2,’ ‘Musafir,’ ‘Shoot Out At Lokhandwala,’ and ‘Taxi Num 911.’ He collaborated with music directors such as Anu Malik, Raam Laxman, Anand Raaj Anand, Anand Milind, and others.

Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan into a Sikh family, Kohli relocated to Dehradun following Partition.

Kohli’s close friend composer, lyricist and playback singer Anand Raaj Anand told ANI, “Anand Raaj Anand said “I have had a great journey with Kohli saab..He did a great job with Anu Malik too. I used to be surprised that a saintly man has also written a song like ‘Chalti Hai Kya 9 se 11’. I pray for him.”

Dev Kohli wrote lyrics for several hit songs like ‘Aate Jaate Hanste Gaate,’ ‘Kabootar Ja Ja Ja,’ ‘Aaja Shaam Hone Aayee,’ ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’

He and Anu Malik formed a spectacular partnership in the 1990s, working together on songs like ‘Dekho Dekho Jaanam Hum’ in Ishq and ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen’ in ‘Baazigar.’