The film industry came together to offer condolences as Malaika Arora’s father, Anil Kuldip Mehta, passed away by suicide. Anil Mehta’s cremation took place today, with close family and friends present to pay their respects.
Malaika Arora, accompanied by her mother Joyce Polycarp, son Arhaan, and sister Amrita, led the proceedings. Among those who attended the last rites were prominent figures from the film industry including Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Farah Khan, Arshad Warsi with his wife Maria Goretti, Sajid Khan, Terence Lewis, and Guru Randhawa. Other notable attendees included Sohail Khan, Alizeh Agnihorti, Arjun Kapoor, Shibani Dandekar, Gauahar Khan, and Mini Mathur.
Joyce Polycarp, visibly distressed, was comforted by her grandson Arhaan as they made their way to the crematorium. Malaika Arora issued a heartfelt statement requesting privacy for the family during this challenging time. She described her father as a “gentle soul” and expressed the family’s deep shock at their loss. 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. With gratitude, Joyce, Malaika, Amrita, Shakeel, Arhaan, Azaan, Rayyan, Casper, Axl, Duffy, and Buddy.”
Malaika Arora, who was born in Thane and moved to Chembur with her mother and sister after her parents’ divorce, has shared that her family is coping with the loss as best as they can. Joyce Polycarp, a Malayali Christian, and Anil Mehta, from the Punjabi community, worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.
