Bollywood lyricist Dev Kohli (80) dies; last rites today
What's the story
Veteran Bollywood lyricist and prolific poet Dev Kohli is no more.
He passed away on Saturday at the age of 80, though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed yet, said media reports.
To note, Kohli penned numerous hit evergreen songs over the years, such as Mujhse Juda Ho Kar, Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai, and Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein.
Details
He'll be cremated on Saturday evening
An India Today report said Kohli's antim darshan is scheduled for 2:00pm on Saturday at his residence at Jupiter Apartment, 4th Cross Lane, Lokhandwala Complex in Mumbai.
Subsequently, he will reportedly be cremated at 6:00pm at Oshiwara Crematorium, Jogeshwari West, Mumbai.
Members from the music and film industry are expected to arrive at the venue to pay their last respects.
Health
He passed away in his sleep on Saturday
The senior artist was reportedly suffering from age-related ailments for some time.
Kohli's spokesperson, Pritam Sharma, told The Indian Express, "Kohli ji was admitted at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital for the last few months, he was not keeping well and passed away in his sleep early on Saturday morning."
Tributes are pouring for him on social media, with several calling him an "underrated writer."
Beginnings
Beginnings: Born in Rawalpindi, got break with 'Gunda'
Kohli was reportedly born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in November 1942, and following the partition, his family moved to India.
He debuted in Bollywood with Gunda (1969), but his breakthrough happened with Geet Gaata Hoon Main (1971's Laal Patthar)
In 1989, his work on Maine Pyaar Kiya's album earned him widespread acclaim, with songs like Kabootar and Aaja Shaam Hone Aayee shooting him to popularity.
Career
Kohli's pen churned out several modern-day classics
On IMDb, there are 111 credits listed against Kohli's name as a lyricist.
These include songs such as Maye Ni Maye, Oonchi Hai Building, Bharo Maang Meri, Aazmale Aazmale, Didi Tera Dewar Deewana, Kasam Ki Kasam, and O Saki Saki, among others.
He often collaborated with music composers such as Anu Malik, Raam Laxman, Anand Raaj Anand, and Anand Milind, among others.