Actress Malaika Arora lost her stepfather, Anil Mehta, in September 2024 after he reportedly fell from the balcony of his residence in Bandra. Police had ruled out the passing as suicide, and Malaika and her family had requested some space to process the unforeseen loss. Malaika shared a very close bond with her stepfather and has been open about how the loss affected her and her family on various occasions.
Malaika Arora returned to work less than a month after her father's passing. In a recent statement, she shared how she has been keeping herself busy to cope with her father's demise. Malaika, who has been pretty vocal about her struggle with coming to terms with her father's death, shared that they all need to move on, as that's what her father would have wanted. She shared:
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"We all need to keep moving forward...that's what my father would have wanted for me."
When asked about why the actress decided to return to work a few weeks after her father's death, Malaika shared that she is grateful for the time off she could take to process the news, and it wasn't easy but much needed. Malaika further added that her work helped her stay focused and maintain her mental health. Malaika shared:
"I'm grateful for the time I took to process the loss. It wasn’t easy, but it's important to give ourselves space to heal. Coming back to work helps me stay focused, balance my mental health, and gives me the clarity to take care of my mother and family."
The investigation into Anil Mehta's sudden passing is still going on, and Malaika has requested fans and the media to respect her family's privacy during this tough time. Amid the underway investigation and the loss faced by the family, Malaika even rang a rather quiet 49th birthday in October 2024, contrary to her usual celebrations. However, she has decided to get back to work with renewed determination.
Malaika Arora is currently working on several projects. The actress has been travelling and shooting for multiple brands. Malaika is also set to appear as a judge for India's Best Dancer, a reality TV dance show. The actress shared that her next project is something really close to her heart, as it is a homage to her father. She shared:
"I'm thrilled about the brands I’m working with and excited to explore my creative side. I'm also working on something special that I will announce soon - it's going to be an ode to my father."
Malaika Arora's stepfather, Anil Mehta, passed away on September 11, 2024, in Mumbai. Anil Mehta was laid to rest at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai later in September 2024. Several celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Salman Khan, her former husband, Arbaaz Khan, and ex-boyfriend Arjun Kapoor, gathered to pay their final respects to Anil Mehta.
What are your thoughts on Malaika Arora's revelation of her coping with the loss? Let us know.
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