Antara Mali’s Father Rescued from Mumbai Streets, Actress Says He is Not Mentally Ill

Jagdish Mali, senior photographer and father of actress Antara Mali, was found roaming in semi-nude condition in Mumbai's Versova area on Monday.

"Bigg Boss 6" contestant Mink Brar spotted Mali walking in Versova wearing only a tattered t-shirt. She then called up Salman Khan for help, who sent four assistants and a car to get Jagdish back to his apartment in Andheri.

Earlier, there were reports suggesting that Antara initially did not help her ailing father. But three days after the incident, the former actress spoke about the matter clearing her stand.

"His condition is such that at times, if he forgets his insulin shot, he gets disoriented. At such times opening a simple door latch can be a challenge. This may happen once in six months, the rest of the time he's fully functioning and normal. This is what happened that evening," she told Mumbai Mirror.

She also denied the reports that her father was an alcoholic and suffering from some mental illness.

"This may be a publicity stunt by someone trying to capitalise on his ill health and has accomplished nothing but damaged a 35-year-old glorious career. My dad is not an alcoholic but has a chronic liver disorder along with heavy diabetes. He hasn't touched a drop of alcohol for 15 years. He is sober," said Mali.

"We don't need anybody's help. I am proud of my father's legacy, he is a truly an incredible artist and has a lot of goodwill in the film and fashion industry," she added.