Malaika Arora’s father Anil Mehta tragically passed away due to suicide on Wednesday, September 11. According to statement recorded by Malaika’s mother Joyce Polycarp, the late Anil Arora would sit on the balcony and read newspapers in the morning. While they were divorced, they had been living together for the past few years.

She also told the police that she saw his slippers in the living room, but couldn’t find him in the balcony. She leaned over and saw the building watchman calling for help. Joyce also told the police that Anil Arora was not suffering from any diseases.

Now, Malaika has shared an official statement on her social media, asking media and fans to give her family some space to process the devastating news. 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.”

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Malaika, who was in Pune, rushed to her father’s Bandra residence after the news broke.

Bollywood stars, including Malaika’s ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, friends Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, and more rushed to pay their last respects to Anil Mehta. Arjun Kapoor was also photographed entering the building.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are in full swing in Maharashtra. Several celebrities were seen welcoming Ganpati at home and visiting various pandals in Mumbai. Ranbir Kapoor was seen carrying an idol in his arms as he stepped out for visarjan along with his mother Neetu Kapoor.

Ranbir Kapoor was clicked in a white kurta with his mother Neetu Kapoor by his side who opted for a pretty pink salwar suit. The actor carried the Ganpati idol and performed aarti before proceeding for the visarjan.

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Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora’s father Anil Arora tragically passed away today. Initial reports mentioned that he committed suicide. Now, reports of Malaika’s mother Joyce Polycarp recording a statement to the police have emerged.

As per reports on a leading news portal, Malaika Arora’s mother Joyce told the police that the late Anil Arora would sit on the balcony and read newspapers in the morning. While they were divorced, they had been living together for the past few years.

She also told the police on Wednesday when she saw his slippers in the living room, she went looking for him on the balcony. That’s when she leaned over and saw the building watchman calling for help. Joyce also told the police that Anil Arora was not suffering from any diseases.

Earlier today, a grieving Malaika Arora arrived at home from Pune after news of her father’s passing broke. Her loved ones including Arbaaz Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Salim Khan, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey and more were seen arriving at Anil Arora’s home to support the family during this difficult time.

The family has yet to share an official statement.