Actor Ajay Devgn on Wednesday paid tribute to late filmmaker Kuku Kohli, who launched his Bollywood career with the 1991 film Phool Aur Kaante, saying the director changed the course of his life forever.

Kohli, whose real name was Avtar Kohli, died on Tuesday following a heart attack. He was 77.

"Some people change the course of your life forever. Kuku ji was one of those people for me. Forever grateful for the faith you had in me. You will be deeply missed, Kuku ji. Om Shanti," Ajay wrote on X.

Kohli worked under legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor and other directors before making his directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante.

Phool Aur Kaante established Ajay as an action star. In the movie, the actor had made an entry by performing a split between two moving motorcycles.

The filmmaker went on to direct films including Kohrram, Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Anari No.1, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa and Woh Tera Naam Tha.

Kohli is survived by his actor wife Aruna Irani and two daughters from a previous marriage.