Malaika Arora, who lost her father Anil Mehta on Wednesday morning, shared a statement this evening on behalf of the family. “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.”

Anil Mehta died by suicide on Wednesday morning, police said. He jumped from his apartment building in Mumbai’s Bandra. The incident took place around 9 am today.

Read Malaika Arora’s statement here:

Malaika, a former model, was also a VJ. She has also judged a couple of dance shows over the years, including India’s Best Dancer, Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Zara Nachke Dikha. She also judged shows like India’s Got Talent and Supermodel Of The Year. Other than, Malaika Arora also runs a yoga studio, an apparel brand and a food-delivery platform.

Malaika Arora is best-known for her dance performances to popular tracks such as Chaiya Chaiya, Munni Badnaam Hui, Anarkali Disco Chali and Hello Hello among many others. She was also seen in the reality TV series Moving In With Malaika.

State orders evacuations and closes schools as it prepares for hurricane’s landfall on Wednesday as a Category 2 storm. 

​State orders evacuations and closes schools as it prepares for hurricane’s landfall on Wednesday as a Category 2 storm.  

Objections to the event were raised by the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), its allies BJP as well as the Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) and civil society organisations