Malaika Arora, known for her impeccable dancing and dedication to fitness, has always lived life on her own terms. But there was a time when her choices—especially after parting ways with Arbaaz Khan—were met with harsh judgment from all corners. In a candid conversation on a podcast with India Today, Malaika reflected on the scrutiny she faced after her divorce.
Malaika Arora on life after her divorce
Malaika and Arbaaz were married for nearly two decades before separating in 2017. Despite maintaining privacy and continuing to co-parent their son, Arhaan Khan, Malaika found herself at the receiving end of criticism—not just from strangers, but sometimes even from friends and family.
“I was questioned about all my choices at that point,” she recalled. “But I’m so happy that I stuck by them. I have no regrets. I felt it was important for me to be happy. Nobody really understands that—they ask, ‘How can you put your happiness first?’ But I was okay being on my own.”
Malaika also highlighted the double standards women face in society. In a patriarchal world, she pointed out, men rarely face the same level of scrutiny for similar choices. “Those questions are never asked for men. There’s never that judgment,” she said. “Unfortunately, women have to bear the brunt of it daily.”
The actress added that society often labels women who step outside conventional expectations as “less than ideal.” “Things are said, fingers are pointed,” she said. “But you have to move past it, set your own example, and stay true to yourself.”
Through her honesty, Malaika Arora reminds us that choosing your own happiness, even in the face of judgment, is a powerful act of self-respect—and one that sets an example for others to follow.