The film industry united to express their condolences as Anil Mehta, father of Bollywood actress Malaika Arora, was laid to rest at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium centre in Mumbai on Thursday. Malaika Arora arrived at the crematorium accompanied by her son, Arhaan Khan. Numerous celebrities, including Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and her husband, Saif Ali Khan, among others from the film fraternity, gathered at the crematorium to pay their final respects to Malaika Arora's father. Saif Ali Khan and Karisma Kapoor arrived together. Malaika Arora's former husband, Arbaaz Khan, also attended the ceremony with his wife, Sshura Khan. Malaika's close friend and filmmaker, Farah Khan Kunder, joined the gathering to pay her respects to Anil Mehta, accompanied by her brother, Sajid Khan. Actor Sohail Khan arrived at the crematorium with his son, Nirvaan Khan. Other celebrities such as Geeta Kapur, Terence Lewis, and Gauhar Khan also arrived to pay their last respects.
On Wednesday, Kareena Kapoor Khan, a close friend of Malaika Arora, visited the Arora residence with her husband to offer their heartfelt condolences. The actress appeared visibly emotional as she entered the home to pay her respects. The gathering was characterized by a profound sense of grief and solidarity from the film fraternity. Earlier on September 11, Mumbai police disclosed that Anil Mehta's death initially appears to be a suicide, although all possible angles are being investigated. DCP Crime Branch Raj Tilak Roshan confirmed that Mehta's body had been sent for a post-mortem examination, and both police and forensic teams are thoroughly examining the case. In a statement shared on Instagram, Malaika Arora expressed the family's deep sorrow. "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," the statement read. Malaika Arora, who was not present at her father's home when the incident occurred, was reportedly in Pune at the time. She rushed back to Mumbai upon receiving the tragic news. Her ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, also joined the gathering to support her during this challenging time.
