Highlights
Malaika Arora has since come out to officially address the sudden death of her stepfather Anil Mehta. In her message, she asks people to leave her family alone and shares that they are mourning. The event has been considered a shock, for many people, the media the film industry, and the police investigating the circumstances of his passing.
Malaika Arora’s Emotional Appeal for Privacy
Malaika Arora lost her stepfather, Anil Mehta, the Bollywood actor took to her Instagram account and posted a message on behalf of her family. His death has made them feel so sad and shocked, especially after the death of her stepfather. Malaika described her stepfather as a kind man, a caring grandfather, a loving husband, and their closest friend. In her statement, she urged the media and the well-wishers to give the family space explaining that they need to come to terms with the loss.
In the emotional post, Malaika shared their appreciation to her close ones, namely her family and friends for being supportive during this period. She stressed the need to honor their sorrow and ended the message with the names of her close relatives such as sister Amrita, son Arhaan and others. This statement came as a shock when news of her stepfather’s death which was believed to have been a suicide was released and the police have been conducting an investigation on the same.
Industry Reactions and Criticism of Media Insensitivity
Most of the Bollywood celebrities have consoled Malaika and her family following the loss of her. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan was quick to condemn the tragedy and the media coverage which he said was insensitive. He particularly ranted against photographers for aiming their lenses at people in mourning saying that it was an intrusion of privacy. Varun further pointed out that it is the role of the media to report events but they should show mercy and be careful during such incidences. He called on the media to look at how they are contributing to the suffering of families that have lost their loved ones and requested more compassion.
It was seen that Kareena Kapoor Khan, with her husband Saif Ali Khan, paid a visit to Malaika’s stepfather’s house to express their condolence. Several others such as Arjun Kapoor, Malaika’s ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, Chunky Pandey, and his daughter Ananya Pandey were also seen visiting the house to pay their condolences to the family.
Police Investigation and Family Support
Police have already opened an investigation of the death of Anil Mehta which has been labeled as a possible suicide. The body was found in Mumbai, which is the place of residence of Mehta who lived on the sixth floor of the building. As per the police, all aspects are being looked into by forensic teams and the body has been taken for the post-mortem.
Malaika Arora was in Pune when she heard of the demise of her stepfather and she was said to have returned to Mumbai immediately. For now, the family is keeping the mourning process of the loss rather low-key as the investigation is still ongoing.
