Sidharth Malhotra’s father Sunil Malhotra passes away; last rites completed in Delhi

Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, has passed away. The last rites were completed in Delhi in the presence of close family members.The actor, along with his wife Kiara Advani, rushed to the capital as soon as he received the news to attend the funeral and stand by his loved ones during this difficult time. According to Hindustan Times, those close to the family confirmed that while the ceremonies have concluded, the couple will continue to stay in Delhi for a few days. Sunil Malhotra, a former Merchant Navy captain, was a towering influence in Sidharth’s life. The actor has often spoken about the deep respect and admiration he held for his father, once calling him his “favourite hero” and a constant source of inspiration. Those close to the family say the loss has left Sidharth deeply affected.In March last year, Sidharth had candidly spoken about his father’s prolonged health struggles during a conversation with Lilly Singh. He had revealed that Sunil Malhotra had been unwell for some time and admitted to feeling ashamed about not fully acknowledging his mother Rimma Malhotra’s sacrifices.“My father’s not been healthy for a while, and me being scared or angry at times, tend to be a little more harsh on my mother because she’s the one who’s taking care of the meds. My father’s not keeping well to do that and within that I realized... we got up one morning and just having coffee and tea in Delhi and she started speaking about 20 years back... what she had to deal with when we were much younger or when I wasn’t there or when I was trying to make my own life,” he had shared.He had further added, “She would hide that information from us as to you know what my father’s going through and uh and I felt uh I felt slightly ashamed of the fact that I didn’t really give her that credit for the years building up to my father’s health... During that period, my mother had made so many sacrifices that I wasn’t aware of, and I had to deal with her with far more sensitivity and love.” Despite being a public figure, Sidharth has maintained privacy around the personal tragedy, choosing to grieve quietly with his family. Over the years, he has credited his parents for keeping him grounded and rooted despite the fame and pressures of the film industry.On the occasion of Father's Day last year, Sid wished his dad, calling him his 'favourite hero'."Happy Father's Day, Dad! You have been my favourite hero since childhood and will always be! From admiring your style, fitness, to your sense of humour, you truly are the best I know! - Your Biggest Fan #MyDadMyCaptain #HappyFathersDay," he wished his father.Also See: Sidharth Malhotra mourns his father Sunil Malhotra's loss: 'You left us peacefully in your sleep, but the space you leave behind is immeasurable'