When Malaika Arora talked about 'tumultuous' childhood after parents' divorce

The entire industry is in shock after the sudden death of actor Malaika Arora's father, Anil Mehta, on Wednesday (Sept 11). In the early morning of Sept 11, he allegedly died after jumping from the sixth floor of a building in Bandra, Mumbai.

The investigation is currently underway. In a statement to police, Malaika's mother, Joyce Polycarp, said that herex-husband was not suffering from any major illness, and his health was fine, apart from some knee pain.

Malaika's parents, Joyce Polycarp and late father Anil, separated when she and her younger sister-actor Amrita Arora were very young. Her parents started living together again a few years back, but back then the separation of her parents made Malaika and Amrita's life 'tumultuous.'

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During her interview with Grazia in 2022, Malaika talked about herparent's divorce and how it changed her life forever.

"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 said.

The actress revealed that her mother moved from Thane to Chembur with them and it also helped her to observe her mother through a new and unique lens.

She further added, "My parents' separation allowed me to observe my mother through a new and unique lens. I learned a rock-steady work ethic and the value of getting up each morning to do whatever it takes to become fiercely independent. Those early lessons are the cornerstones of my life and professional journey. I am still fiercely independent; I value my freedom and live life on my terms."

In a different interview with Masala! magazine, Malaika spoke about how life was never easy growing up, especially the financial part.

“Growing up, life was never easy, it was really tough – financially, the entire setup as well. So that was ingrained in my mind that I need to work for myself and work till my dying day. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth or come from a background I could rely on, money that was just flowing. We came from a working-class environment. Hence, it was very important that I stand on my two feet and be financially secure. Even when I got married, I couldn’t give up everything and relied on my husband’s money to take care of my needs,” she said.

If we talk about Malaika's father, Anil Mehta, not much is known about him as he has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.