Kumar Bahukhandi
Mumbai: Anil Mehta, the stepfather of actress Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora, died by suicide on Wednesday, September 11. Hours after his demise, Malaika released an official statement on behalf of her bereaved family and requested privacy from the media during this difficult time. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father Anil Mehta. He was a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, a loving husband and our best friend. Our family is deeply shocked by this loss and we request privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time,” the statement said.
“We appreciate your understanding, support and respect. With gratitude, Joyce, Malaika, Amrita, Shakeel, Arhaan, Azaan, Ryan, Casper, XL, Duffy and Buddy,” Malaika said. Anil Mehta committed suicide by jumping from his sixth-floor apartment in Mumbai’s Bandra at 9 am on Wednesday September 11 . Malaika’s mother Joyce told the police that every morning Anil used to sit in the balcony and read the newspaper. When she went to check on him on Wednesday morning, he was not found in the balcony.
On bending down, she saw him lying unconscious below and the guard also calling for help. According to a report by India TV, Anil made his last phone call to Malaika and Amrita and told them that he was “tired”. In her statement to the police, Joyce told that Anil did not have any ailment except knee pain. The body has been sent for post-mortem and no suicide note has been recovered from the spot. Malaika’s ex-husband Arbaaz Khan was the first to reach the apartment after getting the news of Anil’s demise. The actress, who had gone to Pune for work, returned to the city and broke down as soon as she reached Arora’s house.
