Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, died on February 14, 2026, and the actor and all his family are very sad. A former captain in the Merchant Navy, he is understood to have died quietly in sleep; the funeral took place in Delhi with only close family present.
The family and the announcement
The news of Sunil Malhotra’s death brought the family together quickly. Sidharth, and his wife, Kiara Advani, went to Delhi when they heard and stayed to be with family during the funeral and afterwards. The family wanted to keep everything private, so they could grieve without a lot of public attention. Only relatives and close friends were at the funeral, and Sidharth and Kiara will stay in the city for a little while longer to be with people they care about.
Sidharth’s emotional message on social media
On his official social media, Sidharth put up a very moving message, with several family photos showing relaxed, private times. He said his father was a man of ‘uncommon honesty, good character, and refinement.’ Sidharth’s writing described his father’s firm but fair leadership and gentle power: ‘Rules, but not harshly. Power, but without vanity. Good spirits, even when life really tested him.’ He said his father’s good character was ‘what I have been given,’ and ended with, ‘I am what I am because of you.’
The life and what Sunil Malhotra left behind
Sunil Malhotra was a captain in the Merchant Navy – a job which made his views of the world, and the values he taught his family, what they are. People remember him for his steady way of living, his sense of honour, and his belief in living by principles. In later life, a long illness and a stroke meant he needed a wheelchair and could not move around easily. Even though his health was bad, family say he faced difficulty with quiet bravery and did not lose his good manners or his dignity.
The relationship between Sidharth Malhotra and his father
Sidharth has often talked about how much his father affected his personal growth. He has thanked his parents for keeping him sensible despite his successful career, and once called his father his ‘hero.’ This relationship is clear in the photos Sidharth shared – they show times of warmth and teaching. The actor has said his father’s advice was central to his self-control, his work, and how he sees life.
Support from Kiara Advani and the family
Kiara Advani went with Sidharth to Delhi and has been with him as the family deals with this sad time. The couple decided to put family privacy before public statements, and to grieve away from the press. People close to the family say Sidharth and Kiara will stay in Delhi for a few days to help with feelings, and to deal with things that need to be done. They have not said they will hold any public services to remember him, and are not making a show of themselves.
How the public reacted and a final thought
Fans, people he worked with, and people who wish the family well have sent their sympathy on social media. Many have praised Sunil Malhotra’s legacy as shown in Sidharth’s message, and the values that made the actor the person and professional he is. As Sidharth is grieving, his message makes it clear he is going to continue his father’s principles. The actor has promised to honour his memory by continuing the good character, strength, and optimism that were the main parts of Sunil Malhotra’s life.
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.
From commanding the seas as a Merchant Navy Captain to facing illness with quiet… pic.twitter.com/aSIV7Iy1kL
— Sidharth Malhotra (@SidMalhotra) February 17, 2026
