Who was Sidharth Malhotra’s father? The actor’s ‘first hero and silent guide’ served as a Merchant Navy captain

Actor Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, died after a prolonged illness. On Tuesday (February 17), the actor shared the news on social media, remembering him as a man known for his “honesty, integrity, and culture.” Posting a series of family photographs, Sidharth wrote that his father lived by values that never wavered, practising discipline without being harsh, carrying strength without ego, and remaining positive even when life put him through difficult tests.

The actor often called his dad his ‘first hero and silent guide’ in his life. Recalling his father’s journey, Sidharth shared that he once commanded the seas as a Merchant Navy captain and later faced illness with quiet courage. Even after a stroke left him confined to a wheelchair, his spirit remained strong and dignified, he wrote. Calling his father his greatest source of strength, the actor added that his integrity is now his inheritance, and his positivity continues to hold the family together.

“Even when the stroke confined him to a wheelchair, his spirit stood tall. You left us peacefully in your sleep, but the space you leave behind is immeasurable.”

Who was Sidharth Malhotra’s father?

Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, was a former Merchant Navy captain and a strong influence in the actor’s life. Sunil was married to Rimma Malhotra. Last year, Sidharth spoke about a moment when he felt deeply ashamed of his own behaviour. He shared that his father had been unwell for quite some time, and during that period, he had once been harsh with his mother, Rimma Malhotra, over something as small as a medicine dosage. Later, he realised that she had been managing everything on her own while he was away in Mumbai trying to build his career.

In a conversation with Lilly Singh, Sidharth admitted that fear and stress sometimes made him react angrily, especially because his mother was the one taking care of his father’s treatment. He recalled a quiet morning in Delhi when his mother opened up about the struggles she had faced years ago while raising the family, often without his presence. Hearing her speak about those difficult times made him reflect on his actions and understand her strength in a new light.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Sidharth Malhotra was currently shooting for the upcoming action-thriller VVAN- Force of Forest alongside Tamannaah Bhatia, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra. The film is slated to release on May 15, 2025. He recently appeared in the 2025 film Param Sundari opposite Janhvi Kapoor. The film received mixed responses from the audience and critics alike.