The film industry came together to offer their condolences as Anil Mehta, father of Bollywood actress Malaika Arora, was laid to rest at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium centre in Mumbai, on Thursday.
Malaika Arora reached the crematorium centre along with her son Arhaan Khan.
Several celebrities including Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and her husband, Saif Ali Khan, alongside others from the film fraternity reached the crematorium centre to pay their last respects to Malaika Arora’s father.
Saif Ali Khan and Karisma Kapoor arrived together.
Malaika Arora’s ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, also arrived at the crematorium centre with his wife Sshura Khan.
Malaika’s close friend and filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder also joined the gathering as she arrived to pay her last respects to Anil Mehta. She was joined by her brother Sajid Khan.
Actor Sohail Khan arrived at the crematorium centre with his son Nirvaan Khan.
Celebrities including Geeta Kapur, Terence Lewis, and Gauhar Khan among others also arrived to pay their last respects.
On Wednesday, Kareena Kapoor Khan, a close friend of Malaika Arora, arrived at the Arora residence with her husband to offer their heartfelt sympathies. The actress appeared visibly emotional as she entered the home to pay her respects.
The gathering was marked by a strong sense of grief and solidarity from the film fraternity.
Earlier in the day on September 11, Mumbai police revealed that Anil Mehta’s death prima facie looks like a suicide, though all possible angles are being explored.
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 profound 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.