September 12, 2024: The entertainment world has been shaken by the tragic death of Anil Kuldip Mehta, father of Bollywood star Malaika Arora, who died by suicide on Wednesday morning. In a devastating turn of events, Mehta’s final moments included a heart-wrenching phone call to his daughters, Malaika and Amrita Arora, during which he expressed his emotional anguish. This final call has left Malaika shattered, with sources close to the family revealing the depth of her grief.
The Final Phone Call: “He Was in Deep Distress” – Malaika Arora
According to insiders, 65-year-old Anil Mehta made a heartbreaking phone call to his daughters just moments before taking his own life. Speaking to Malaika and Amrita, he reportedly said, “I’m sick and tired,” a stark indication of the emotional turmoil he was enduring. The brief but sorrowful exchange highlighted the depth of his distress, leaving his daughters in shock.
Malaika, who was en route to an event in Pune at the time, is said to have been unable to process the severity of her father’s words until it was too late. Sources close to the family describe Malaika as “shattered” by the loss, particularly due to the fact that her father reached out to her in his final moments.
A Family’s Tragic Discovery
The incident occurred at the family’s residence in Ayesha Manor, Bandra, where Anil Mehta jumped from the sixth-floor balcony of their home. His wife, Joyce Polycarp, was present in the flat but unaware of his plans. After noticing her husband’s slippers in the living room and becoming concerned, she looked over the balcony and saw a chaotic scene below. A security guard was calling for help, and that was when Joyce realized the magnitude of what had just happened.
The family, reeling from the tragic loss, has requested privacy as they cope with their grief. Malaika took to Instagram shortly after the incident, posting a family statement expressing their devastation: “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 over this loss, and we kindly request privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time.”
A Silent Battle with Mental Health
While details of Anil Mehta’s struggles remain private, his final call to his daughters speaks to a deeper issue of mental health challenges that often go unnoticed. Friends and family described him as a quiet, kind man, making the tragedy even more shocking to those who knew him.
The sudden loss of her father has left Malaika Arora grappling with immense emotional pain. While she has remained largely out of the public eye since the incident, those close to her say she is struggling to come to terms with the loss, especially given her father’s final words to her. “She had no idea how deep his distress was,” a source shared, emphasizing the overwhelming sorrow that now engulfs the family.
The Industry Rallies Around the Malaika Arora Family
As news of Anil Mehta’s death spread, the entertainment industry expressed an outpouring of support for Malaika and her family. Many of Malaika’s colleagues and friends in Bollywood have offered their condolences and words of encouragement, with some highlighting the need for increased awareness around mental health issues.
Several prominent figures in the industry have taken to social media to express their grief and support for the Arora family. The incident has reignited discussions around the emotional toll that can affect even the most successful and seemingly strong individuals.
Moving Forward: A Focus on Healing
The tragedy has left Malaika Arora in deep mourning, but those close to her are hopeful that, in time, she will find the strength to heal. Mental health awareness has been a growing conversation in recent years, and the incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of reaching out to loved ones who may be struggling.
In the wake of this tragedy, Malaika and her family continue to request privacy as they navigate their grief. Anil Mehta’s final call to his daughters was a poignant cry for help, one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those closest to him.
The passing of Anil Mehta has left a profound void in the lives of his family, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding when it comes to mental health struggles.