12 Sep 2024:
On September 11, Malaika Arora’s father, Anil Mehta, tragically passed away at the age of 65. According to reports, he allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the balcony of his sixth-floor apartment at Ayesha Manor in Bandra, Mumbai. The heartbreaking news has left his family and friends in deep shock and sorrow.
Malaika Arora released an emotional statement following her father’s death. She wrote, “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 occurred around 9 AM, according to Mehta’s wife, Joyce Polycarp. She shared with the Mumbai Police that she was at home when she noticed her husband’s slippers in the living room. Concerned, she began searching for him but did not find him in the usual places. As she leaned over the balcony railing, she saw commotion in the building’s compound, with the security guard shouting for help. That’s when she realized something terrible had happened.
Further reports have emerged revealing that Anil Mehta had made phone calls to both his daughters, Malaika and Amrita Arora, shortly before the tragic incident. During these calls, he is said to have expressed feelings of being “tired.” This has added to the distress surrounding the event, with family members and investigators left to piece together the final moments of his life.
Amrita Arora, Malaika’s younger sister, was particularly close to their father. A police source shared with ETimes that Anil had a strong bond with Amrita and had spoken to her before the incident. The source added, “Anil Mehta lived on the same floor as Joyce, his ex-wife. Every morning, he would borrow the newspaper from her and read it in his balcony, as part of his routine.”
The police have been investigating the case and, as of now, have treated it as a suicide. A post-mortem was conducted at Bhabha Hospital, with the last rites scheduled to take place at a Hindu crematorium in Santacruz on September 12 at 11 AM.
The sudden and tragic loss of Anil Mehta has raised discussions around mental health and the importance of recognizing signs of distress in loved ones. While the exact reasons behind Mehta’s actions remain unclear, the incident has served as a somber reminder of how crucial it is to reach out for support in moments of emotional and mental fatigue.
This unfortunate event has drawn attention from both the media and the public, given Malaika Arora’s prominence in the entertainment industry. However, as the family deals with this immense loss, they have requested privacy and respect during their time of grief.
As more details continue to emerge, the incident has left many in the Bollywood community shocked. Anil Mehta was known for his kind nature, devotion to his family, and gentle soul. His passing has created a void that will be felt deeply by those who knew and loved him.
In a time of such sorrow, Malaika, Amrita, and the entire Mehta family are surrounded by the support of friends and well-wishers. The community has come together to offer condolences, with many expressing their shock at the sudden loss of a man who was regarded with love and respect by his family.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, and that it is vital to check in on the well-being of those close to us. The importance of providing emotional support to family members and loved ones cannot be overstated, especially during times when they may feel overwhelmed.
Anil Mehta’s life will be remembered for his contributions as a loving father, husband, and grandfather. His sudden passing has left a profound impact on his family and the larger community, as they come to terms with this heart-wrenching loss.