Mumbai: On Friday night, celebrities paid their respects at the prayer meet for Anil Mehta, the stepfather of Malaika and Amrita Arora. Among the attendees were notable figures such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and actor-producer Arbaaz Khan. The media captured moving moments of close friends and family arriving at Malaika's mother’s home here.
Malaika's father, Anil Mehta, who passed away on Wednesday, was remembered by a wide circle of loved ones. Arbaaz was among the first to arrive at the Arora residence upon hearing tragic news, followed by his family, including Salim Khan, Salma Khan, Helen, Alvira, Arpita, Sohail Khan, and Salman Khan, who all came to offer their condolences.
Anil Mehta was laid to rest at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium, where a number of film industry personalities gathered to pay their last respects. Malaika, accompanied by her son Arhaan Khan, and her ex-boyfriend Arjun Kapoor, along with Kareena, Saif Ali Khan, Farah Khan, Sajid Khan, and others, were present at the crematorium. Arbaaz, together with his wife Sshura Khan, also attended.
Following her father's death, Malaika Arora issued a statement asking for privacy during this challenging time. Her 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."