Actor Malaika Arora has expressed profound grief following the tragic death of her father, Anil Kuldip Mehta, who allegedly died by suicide after jumping from his sixth-floor apartment in Mumbai’s Bandra neighborhood.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Malaika and her family said they are in “deep shock” and requested privacy during this difficult time.
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The statement read, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear father, Anil Mehta. He was a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, a loving husband, and our best friend. Our family is in deep shock by this loss, and we kindly request privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding, support, and respect.”
The Incident
Anil Mehta, 65, reportedly called both his daughters, Malaika and Amrita Arora, on the morning of September 11, telling them, “I’m tired,” before allegedly taking the fatal plunge from his Bandra apartment at Ayesha Manor. His wife, Joyce Polycarp, was present in the house when the incident occurred.
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According to reports, Polycarp became alarmed when she noticed her husband’s slippers in the living room and couldn’t locate him. Upon leaning over the balcony, she witnessed a commotion below, where a security guard was calling for help. Mehta’s body was later discovered, and the Mumbai Police have confirmed it as a case of suicide.
A post-mortem is being conducted at Bhabha Hospital, and authorities are continuing their investigation.
Family and Background
Malaika Arora, a well-known Bollywood personality, was born in Thane, near Mumbai. Her parents, Anil Mehta and Joyce Polycarp, divorced when she was 11. Malaika, along with her sister Amrita and mother, moved to Chembur following the separation. Polycarp is a Malayali Christian, while Anil Mehta hailed from a Punjabi family and had served in the Indian Merchant Navy.
Despite their parents’ separation, Malaika has previously spoken about her childhood being both “wonderful” and “tumultuous,” reflecting on her mother’s resilience and strength in raising her daughters.
Support from Loved Ones
Malaika’s former husband, Arbaaz Khan, and her rumored ex-boyfriend, Arjun Kapoor, reportedly visited her apartment after receiving news of her father’s death. The family is currently surrounded by close friends and relatives as they navigate this difficult time.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the Bollywood community, with many expressing their condolences and offering support to Malaika and her family.
