Malaika Arora has issued a joint statement on her father, Anil Mehta’s death, saying that the family is ‘deeply saddened’ with his demise. The 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. With gratitude, Joyce, Malaika, Amrita Shakeel, Arhaan, Azaan, Rayyan, Casper, Axl, Duffy and Buddy."

According a report in PTI, Anil jumped off the sixth floor of the building, ‘Ayesha Manor’ in Bandra, Mumbai. He stayed with his wife and at the time of the incident, Malaika was in Pune. The reason behind the death is not yet clear; however, the police said that ‘prima facie it looks like suicide’ and that they are investigating it further.

Malaika’s parents, Joyce Polycarp and Anil, separated when she was 11. After that, she and her sister, Amrita Arora, lived with her mother.