In a deeply personal loss for the film industry, actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the passing of his father, Sunil Malhotra. The senior Malhotra breathed his last on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in New Delhi following a prolonged illness. Upon receiving the news, Sidharth and his wife, actor Kiara Advani, immediately paused their professional commitments and flew to the national capital to stand by their family during this difficult time.
The news of the demise emerged as the family chose to perform the final rites in a private ceremony attended by close relatives and friends. On Tuesday evening, Sidharth broke his silence, sharing a poignant tribute on social media that celebrated his father’s legacy of discipline, resilience, and unwavering integrity.
Taking to Instagram, the Shershaah star shared a series of cherished photographs, ranging from his childhood days to more recent family gatherings. The images offered a rare glimpse into the private bond between the actor and the man he often called his “first hero.”
In an emotional caption, Sidharth expressed the profound impact his father had on his character:
“He was a man of rare honesty, integrity, and culture. He lived by values that never bent. Discipline without harshness. Strength without ego. Positivity, even when life tested him beyond measure.”
Sidharth further added that while his father had passed away peacefully in his sleep, the void he leaves behind is “immeasurable.” He concluded the note with a powerful promise: “I am who I am because of you. And I will carry your name, your values, and your light forward always.”
Sunil Malhotra was a former Captain in the Merchant Navy, a profession that significantly shaped the Malhotra household’s values. Sidharth has frequently credited his father’s naval background for instilling in him the punctuality and work ethic that defined his own journey from a Delhi boy to a Bollywood superstar.
However, the final years of Sunil Malhotra’s life were a test of the very resilience he taught his children. He had been battling health complications for a significant period, including a stroke that had confined him to a wheelchair. Despite these physical limitations, Sidharth noted that his father’s “spirit stood tall,” and he continued to be the emotional anchor for the family.
The bond between the two families has remained strong throughout this ordeal. Kiara Advani, who married Sidharth in 2023, accompanied her husband to Delhi immediately. Sources close to the family reveal that Kiara has been a pillar of strength for Sidharth’s mother, Rimma Malhotra, and his brother, Harshad Malhotra.
Kiara also shared her own tribute to her father-in-law, remembering him for his “steady wisdom” and “unconditional love” that welcomed her into the family. The couple, who recently welcomed their first child in 2025, plans to stay in Delhi for several more days to complete the traditional mourning rituals and support the extended family.
This loss comes after Sidharth Malhotra spoke candidly about his father’s declining health in an interview last year. He had reflected on the emotional toll of seeing a parent struggle with illness while living in a different city for work.
In those reflections, he expressed deep gratitude toward his mother for her silent sacrifices in managing his father’s medical care. This period of personal grief has brought the family closer, with the actor acknowledging that his father’s positivity is what continues to hold them together even in his absence.
As news of the loss spread, members of the Bollywood community reached out to offer their condolences. Filmmaker Karan Johar, and actors including Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan, shared messages of support. The industry recognizes Sunil Malhotra not just as an actor’s father, but as the man who raised one of the most grounded and respected young stars in the business today.
The legacy of Captain Sunil Malhotra lives on through his children and the values of “discipline without harshness” that Sidharth continues to embody in his professional and personal life.
