Sunil Malhotra, father of Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra, has passed away, the Indian media reported.

The actor confirmed the news of his father’s death through a post on social media. According to reports, Sunil Malhotra died on February 14 in New Delhi. Sidharth Malhotra is currently in Delhi with his family following the funeral rites.

Sunil Malhotra had been unwell for a prolonged period and had been battling illness. A person close to the actor described the loss as a profound shock for both Sidharth and the entire family, noting that the actor shared a close bond with his father.

Family sources confirmed that the last rites have been performed, and the family is expected to remain in Delhi for a few more days.

A former Merchant Navy commander, Sunil Malhotra, was regarded as an influential presence in his son’s childhood and professional life.

In an emotional tribute shared online, Sidharth Malhotra described his father as a man of exceptional integrity, principles and dignity. He wrote that from commanding the seas as a Merchant Navy captain to facing illness with quiet courage, his father never compromised on his values. Despite being confined to a wheelchair following paralysis, he remained strong in spirit, the actor said.

“Papa, your integrity is my inheritance. Your strength guides me every day,” the actor wrote, adding that he would continue to carry forward his father’s name, values and light.