The entertainment world was recently hit by the tragic news of Malaika Arora’s father, Anil Mehta’s, passing. Known for his close-knit relationship with his family and his jovial personality, his death came as a shock to many, especially his neighbours, who noticed a sudden change in his demeanor in the days leading up to his demise.
One of Anil Mehta's neighbours shed light on his last days and interactions, revealing that he seemed unusually low on energy.
Malaika’s Relationship with Her Father
Malaika Arora, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated figures, shared a close bond with her father, Anil Mehta. Their relationship was marked by warmth and familial love, as noted by many who had witnessed their interactions. The neighbour, in conversation with FilmiBeat, mentioned, “Malaika shared a great bond with Anil. They often partied together.” This statement highlights the easy camaraderie and joyful spirit that Anil embodied in the presence of his family.
Also Read: Malaika Arora's father Anil Mehta's last words were "I am sick and tired"
Malaika's son, Arhaan, also shared a close bond with his grandfather. In fact, Arhaan, who has often been seen supporting his family at various events, even lived with Anil Mehta for a short while, reinforcing the tight-knit nature of their family.
Changes Noticed by His Neighbour
One of the most striking revelations came from a neighbour who recalled how different Anil Mehta seemed in his final days. The neighbour shared an incident that occurred just a few days before Anil's death. Mehta had personally addressed a leakage problem in their building. Despite his declining energy, he took the initiative to help resolve the issue. This act, though small, reflected his caring nature and his commitment to maintaining good relationships with those around him.
The neighbour described Anil as a jovial person who frequently shared jokes and maintained a light-hearted demeanor. However, just days before his passing, a noticeable change in his behavior became apparent.
“When I met him a few days ago, he seemed ‘low on energy,’” the neighbour remarked.
Usually, Anil was known to be cheerful, always mingling with people and spreading positive vibes. His absence of energy during their last encounter stood in stark contrast to his usual self, making the interaction feel particularly somber. The neighbour recalled that this lack of vitality was a significant departure from his normal behavior and left them concerned.
Despite the noticeable change, no specific details were available regarding whether Anil Mehta was dealing with any underlying health or mental health concerns. The neighbour was unable to comment on this, stating, “I couldn’t tell if he had any health issues, but his energy levels were visibly low.”
This statement has led to speculation that there may have been health complications that Anil Mehta chose not to disclose, or which may not have been apparent to those around him.
Family’s Reaction and Final Goodbye
Upon hearing the devastating news of her father’s passing, Malaika Arora, who was in Pune at the time, rushed to her parents' home in Bandra, Mumbai, to be with her family. Her sister, Amrita Arora, had visited their parents just a day before, indicating that everything seemed fine at the time. Amrita was accompanied by her husband, Shakeel Ladak, as they came together to offer their final respects to Anil Mehta.
Several other close family members and friends gathered to pay their respects. Arjun Kapoor, who had previously dated Malaika Arora, made a visit to her mother’s residence to offer his condolences. The gathering of family and friends in such a time of grief is a testament to the close bonds that the Arora family has maintained over the years, even in the most challenging times. Even Malaika's ex-husband, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, was present to pay his respects, further indicating the strong familial ties that continue to exist despite past personal challenges.
Malaika Arora’s Heartfelt Tribute
On Wednesday, Malaika Arora took to her Instagram account to share the heartbreaking news of her father’s passing. In an emotional post, she issued a statement remembering her father and requesting privacy for her family during this incredibly challenging period.
Her 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.” Malaika signed the statement with love from herself and her family, including Joyce, Amrita, and her children, along with their pets.
Anil Mehta’s last rites were held in Mumba on Thursday (September 12) morning.
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