The passing of Anil Mehta, father of Malaika Arora, has been a deeply emotional and challenging time for her and her family. Here’s a summary of the recent events and responses surrounding this tragic incident:
Date and Location: Anil Kuldip Mehta died by suicide on Wednesday morning in Mumbai. He reportedly jumped from the balcony of his apartment in Bandra.
Cremation: The mortal remains of Mr. Mehta were cremated today. The last rites were attended by close family and friends.
Family and Friends at the Last Rites:
Family: Malaika Arora was accompanied by her mother, Joyce Polycarp, her son, Arhaan, and her sister, Amrita, during the cremation. Joyce Polycarp was visibly emotional and was consoled by her grandson, Arhaan.
Friends and Colleagues:
Close Friends: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Karisma Kapoor, who share a close bond with Malaika and her family, attended the last rites.
Industry Peers: Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti, Farah Khan, Sajid Khan, Terence Lewis, Guru Randhawa, Sohail Khan, Alizeh Agnihotri, Arjun Kapoor, Shibani Dandekar, Gauahar Khan, and Mini Mathur also paid their respects.
While Malaika Arora issued a heartfelt statement on behalf of her family, expressing their deep sadness and requesting privacy during this difficult time. The statement highlighted Anil Mehta as a “gentle soul” and a “loving husband and best friend” and extended gratitude to those offering support.
Malaika Arora was born in Thane near Mumbai. After her parents’ divorce when she was 11, she moved with her mother Joyce and sister Amrita to Chembur. Joyce Polycarp is of Malayali Christian origin, while Anil Mehta was from the Punjabi community and worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.
The presence of numerous celebrities and friends at the last rites underscores the strong support network around Malaika Arora and her family during this time of grief.
The family’s request for privacy reflects their need to mourn and heal away from the public eye, highlighting the importance of respecting their space and emotions during this period.
This tragic event has drawn significant attention and support from both the public and the entertainment industry, reflecting the impact Anil Mehta had on those around him and the deep connections Malaika Arora maintains with her community.