Malaika Arora addresses constant public scrutiny and judgements
In a candid conversation with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, she opened up about how women are judged more harshly. She said, “You are constantly judged for being strong. We are going to have these judgements irrespective. I have utmost regard and love for men because some of the men in my life have been instrumental and really amazing.”
Malaika Arora highlights society’s double standards for women
Malaika highlighted a clear difference in how society treats men and women in similar situations. She said, “Today, if a man decides to move on, get a divorce, marry someone half his age, it’s like, ‘Wow, what a man!’ But when a woman does it, she is questioned: ‘Why would she do something like that? Doesn’t she have sense?’ There are constant stereotypes.”
Malaika reflects on her early career beginnings
Malaika Arora was only in her early 20s when she stepped into the entertainment world as a VJ. Soon after, she moved into modelling, appearing in several adverts and music albums. Her life changed overnight in 1998 when she featured in the iconic track ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, which instantly made her a national sensation.That same year, fans were surprised when she married actor Arbaaz Khan, Salman Khan’s younger brother. But after nearly twenty years of marriage, the couple decided to part ways in 2017.
Malaika reflects on her young life and ambitions
Looking back at her early 20s, Malaika admitted that she never imagined the life she has today. She said, “I never thought I would come this far. I imagined I would do a few songs, get married, have kids, and settle down. I didn’t realise then that I was far more ambitious than I gave myself credit for. Over the years, I recognised that I wasn’t happy with just that. I am highly ambitious—always hungry to do something different and better.”
She recalls mother’s reaction to early marriage
Malaika also remembered how her decision to marry at 25 took her mother by surprise. She shared, “My mom would always say, ‘Go out there, enjoy your life, and please don’t marry the first guy you date’ which I did. I married the first guy I ever dated. She couldn’t understand why I would do that. She said, ‘If you do that, how will you ever know what’s out there?’ And I was like, ‘Mom, chill now.’ But she has always been someone who encouraged us to live and dream. She never stopped us from doing anything.”
Malaika and Arbaaz’s life post divorce
After their separation, both Malaika and Arbaaz moved on with their lives. Arbaaz was rumoured to be dating Giorgia Andriani for a while. Malaika, on the other hand, received much more media attention for her relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor, who is more than 12 years younger than her.Later, Arbaaz ended his relationship with Giorgia and married 35-year-old makeup artist Sshura. The couple recently had a baby, making Arbaaz a father again at 58. At the same time, Malaika and Arjun split, and she is now rumoured to be dating 33-year-old Harsh Mehta.
