Kohli entered Hindi cinema as an assistant director under Raj Kapoor, one of the most influential figures in Indian film-making, and worked in the industry for several decades. He turned director with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991, an action drama that became one of the best-known commercial successes of its period and introduced Ajay Devgn as a lead actor. He went on to direct a series of commercial Hindi films through the 1990s and early 2000s, including Suhaag (1994), Haqeeqat (1995), Anari No. 1 (1999), Zulmi (1999), Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002) and Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004). His death was confirmed by Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association president Abhay Sinha and by filmmaker Ashoke Pandit.