When Malaika Arora recalled the difficulties she faced after the divorce of her parents: 'Tough times teach you...'

Malaika Arora, who often shares glimpses of her life with her mother Joyce Polycarp and late father Anil Mehta, once talked candidly about her childhood and the important lessons she learned after her parents' divorce.


During an old interview with Grazia in 2022, Malaika opened up about her difficult times after her parent’s separation. She talked about how they influenced her path to fierce independence and a strong work ethic. Malaika shared, “I had a wonderful childhood, but it wasn’t easy. In fact, in retrospect, the word I would use to describe it is tumultuous. But tough times teach you important lessons too.”


She continued by saying that the divorce of her parents had given her a fresh perspective to see her mother. She went on to explain that her parents’ separation allowed her to see her mother through a new perspective. The actress shared she learned a rock-steady work ethic and the value of getting up each morning to do whatever it takes to achieve fierce independence.


Malaika's parents got divorced when she was just eleven years old, their mother took care of her and her younger sister and actress Amrita Arora, who was only six at the time. Following the divorce, the family relocated from Thane to Chembur, where Joyce took care of them. Malaika acknowledged that these early circumstances had taught her perseverance and instilled values that still drive her life to this day, despite the difficulties.


She further added, “I am still fiercely independent; I value my freedom and live life on my terms. The world could be going crazy around me, but these fundamental attitudes imbibed during my formative years hold me in good stead.”


In a tragic turn of events, Anil Mehta, Malaika's father, passed away on September 11, 2024, at the age of 62, according to PTI. Anil allegedly jumped from the sixth floor of a building in Bandra, Mumbai, according to the police. After being taken to the hospital in a hurry, he was pronounced dead. The precise cause behind the incident is still not known, and an investigation is still underway at the time.


A source told PTI, “It’s true that Malaika’s father passed away this morning. They all are shocked because he had no ailment or anything as such.” More information was anticipated as the police carried up their investigation.



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