BIG SURPRISE - From Rajiv's Funeral

San Francisco, CA on Tuesday, July 7, 2009
By Reporter: Malati Chopra / T-Fare Online
Correspondence: gayfareonline@gmail.com Subject: Malati

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On July 6 Rajiv Malhotra passed away peacefully at a Sacramento hospital at approximately 4:30 AM. Rajiv was spending the weekend with friends in South Lake Tahoe for the holiday weekend. He was on his way back to his brother's home in San Francisco when his car collided with a deer at high speed of approximately 70 miles per hour. Paramedics arrived at the scene approximately 10 minutes after the incident and Rajiv was flown to a nearby hospital. Shortly after his arrival at the hospital, Rajiv went into coma and was put under life support. He is survived by his wife, Malini Malhotra, father Raghuveer Malhotra, mother Sheila Malhotra and brother Saagar Malhotra. The entire family and some of his close friends were with him while he peacefully passed away on Monday morning.

T-Fare fondly remembers it's interview with Rajiv, less than a year ago where he mentioned that he "was lied to, manipulated, misled, scammed and believe it or not even spelled! I used to cry and almost lost my mind when this happened." We can't help but wonder if this had anything to do with his sudden death at such a young age. In any event, we hope that all his family, friends and fans will find comfort in knowing that he was extremely happy in his marriage to Malini. Throughout his interview, he praised his wife's loyalty, character and sincerity. To those who doubted his own character and sincerity he offered this rebuttal "my successful marriage with Malini speaks loud and clear about my good intentions and good character."

Finally, T-Fare founder AL Bhansali made this statement on behalf of T-Fare and hundreds of Rajiv & Malini's fans - "To the Malhotra Family - We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will forever cherish the memories of the times we spent together with Rajiv. We stand with you during this time of grief. To all of Rajiv & Malini's well wishers - We are allowing unmoderated comments so that Rajiv and Malini's well wishers will have the opportunity to express their condolences. We hope you will not disrespect Rajiv's memories by misusing this service. Thank you."

Continuing Coverage LIVE FROM SAN FRANCISCO on Thursday, July 9, 2009 3:10 PM
By Reporter: Malati Chopra / T-Fare Online
Correspondence: gayfareonline@gmail.com Subject: Malati

We are continuing coverage of the Malhotra family's tragedy. According to reliable sources, funeral services have been arranged in the East Bay area on Saturday, July 11. Rajiv's relatives are pouring into the SF Bay area from Canada, India, Australia and the United Kingdom to show their support. The funeral will honor the life of Rajiv Malhotra and only close family members are welcome by invitation only. According to our source, very few friends have been invited - especially from the GLBT community.

During the funeral ceremony, Shiela Malhotra, Malini Malhotra and Raghuveer Manhotra will be speaking and a slideshow will be shown to guests with Rajiv's lifetime in pictures. Both Saagar Malhotra and Monisha Malhotra will be in attendance but will not be speaking at the ceremony. Following cremation, ashes will be taken to Canada and dispersed in Horshoe Bay, per Rajiv and Malini's wishes. Rajiv is known to have spent the best part of his life in this area.

On condition of anonymity, a reliable source indicated that "Sheila Malhotra has been the rock of this family. While she is absolutely devastated, she is trying to stay strong and is taking care of her husband and daughter in law. Malini is undoubtedly going through the most painful time of her life. We are scared because she does nothing but cry! Saagar and Monisha are also trying to put their differences aside and remain strong for the sake of Rajiv's wife and parents."

Yet, several questions remained unanswered. Many fans seemed to be disappointed that the Malhotra family has not been approachable for condolence or flowers. Even the private nature of the funeral has been criticized by some friends who wish that they could be involved in the ceremony. Finally, it was not clear weather Rajiv left behind a will and where his parents will be living after their son's funeral. Some relatives believe that they were very close to Malini and will be staying at her Horseshoe Bay penthouse. However, the Malhotra family has not yet made any official announcements.

Continuing Coverage LIVE From Alameda on Saturday, July 11 @ 8:00 PM
By Sr. Editor: Kanti Raj

The mood was emotional, yet cheerful as family and friends bid final farewell today to Rajiv Malhotra. All guests arrived by 10:00 AM and celebrated the brief but meaningful life of Rajiv Malhotra. Malini choked up while describing Rajiv as "a wonderful friend, dutiful son and the most loyal husband that any woman could ask for!" Shiela Malhotra described several incidents from Rajiv's childhood that brought a smile on people's faces. However, it was Rajiv's father Raghuveer Malhotra who stunned many friends by revealing his family's closely guarded secret. After thanking everyone for coming and being a source of support, he introduced his grandson and Rajiv's son - Rahul Malhotra! Born on March 22, 2009 Rahul is the only son of Rajiv & Malini Malhotra; and the only grandson of Raghuvir & Sheila Malhotra.

T-Fare was the first to break the news of Rajiv & Malini's child. However, the Malhotra family had kept the birth of their sole heir a closely guarded secret until now. The child explains everything including the reason why Raghuvir & Sheila Malhotra will be heading back to Malini's home in Vancouver - to care for their grandson! They would never have been able to live apart from the grandchild that Rajiv left behind for them!

While this can never substitute the loss of Rajiv's life, news of his baby boy will surely come as great news and pleasant surprise to hundreds of well wishers of Rajiv & Malini.