Kiara, Sidharth Malhotra Mourn Sunil Malhotra

Actor couple share emotional tributes after former Merchant Navy captain’s passing

February 18, 2026: Bollywood actor Kiara Advani penned an emotional tribute to her father-in-law Sunil Malhotra, who passed away on February 14 in Delhi after a prolonged illness. A former Merchant Navy Captain, he reportedly died peacefully in his sleep. Sharing a family photograph and a solo picture of him on Instagram, Kiara wrote that he welcomed her with open arms from the very beginning and described him as the family’s pillar of strength, remembering his warmth, generosity and unconditional love.

Her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, confirmed his father’s demise in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 17. Calling the void left behind “immeasurable,” he described his father as a man of rare honesty and integrity who lived by unwavering values. Sidharth recalled how his father commanded the seas as a Merchant Navy Captain and later faced illness with quiet courage, even after being confined to a wheelchair following a stroke.

In an earlier conversation with Lilly Singh, Sidharth had opened up about his father’s health struggles and the emotional toll on the family, especially his mother, who was his primary caregiver. He admitted that he later realised the extent of her sacrifices and expressed regret for not fully acknowledging her strength during those challenging years. The couple’s tributes have drawn an outpouring of condolences from fans and members of the film industry.