Sidharth Malhotra’s Father Passes Away: Actor Mourns in Delhi

New Delhi, February 18, 2026: In a deeply somber moment for the film industry, Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 14, 2026. The actor, along with his wife Kiara Advani, has been in New Delhi following the last rites to provide support to his mother, Rimma Malhotra, and brother, Harshad.

A Hero Beyond the Screen

Sunil Malhotra, a former Merchant Navy Captain, was a towering figure in Sidharth’s life. Known for his discipline and unwavering principles, he had been battling health complications for several years. Even after a stroke confined him to a wheelchair, his family noted that his spirit remained unbroken—a resilience that Sidharth frequently cited as his primary source of inspiration.

Breaking his silence on Tuesday, Sidharth shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, accompanied by cherished family photographs.

Grieving with Family in Delhi

Upon receiving the news, Sidharth and Kiara immediately flew from Mumbai to the national capital. The last rites were performed on February 17 in a quiet, private ceremony attended by close relatives.

While the couple is known for their public presence, they have chosen to stay away from the limelight during this period. Reports indicate they will remain in Delhi for several more days to be with the family during the initial mourning period.

A Journey of Quiet Courage

In a candid interview last year, Sidharth had opened up about the emotional toll his father’s illness took on the family. He spoke with deep admiration for his mother’s role as the primary caregiver and admitted to the “shame” he felt realizing the extent of the sacrifices she made while he was building his career in Mumbai.

The loss comes at a time when Sidharth had also been embracing a new chapter in his personal life, having welcomed his daughter, Saraayah, in July 2025. He had recently reflected on how he wanted to be more present for his child than his own father could be, due to the senior Malhotra’s long stints at sea.

Support from the Fraternity

As news of the demise spread, the film industry rallied around the Shershaah star. Heartfelt condolences poured in from colleagues and friends, including:

• Karan Johar
• Vicky Kaushal
• Varun Dhawan
• Alia Bhatt

The Malhotra family has requested privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss. While Sidharth’s professional commitments, including his upcoming film VVAN- Force of Forest, are on the horizon, the actor is currently focused entirely on his role as a son, honoring the man he always called his “first hero.”