Malaika Arora has never been one to shy away from difficult conversations, and her latest comments about societal double standards have struck a chord with many who've watched her navigate public scrutiny for years. The actor and television personality, who rose to fame in the late 1990s as an MTV VJ before becoming a household name with ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, has faced relentless criticism for her personal choices, particularly her relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor, who is over 12 years her junior.
Speaking candidly at a recent event with journalist Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Malaika addressed the hypocrisy that's plagued her public life since her 2017 divorce from actor Arbaaz Khan. Her words cut straight to the heart of a pervasive gender disparity that many women recognise but few public figures articulate so directly.
"Today, if a man decides to move on, get a divorce, marry someone half his age, it's like, 'Wow, what a man!'" Malaika observed. "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."
Her comments arrive against the backdrop of her own lived experience. Whilst her relationship with Arjun Kapoor has been dissected endlessly by media and social commentators, her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan married 35-year-old makeup artist Sshura last year and recently welcomed a baby at 58, receiving considerably less scrutiny and far more congratulations.
The contrast is impossible to ignore. When men date or marry significantly younger partners, they're often celebrated as virile, desirable, and enviable. When women do the same, they face questions about their judgment, motives, and mental state.
Malaika's journey hasn't followed society's prescribed script, and that's precisely what seems to unsettle people. She began her career in her early 20s, quickly establishing herself through MTV's popular programmes before transitioning into modelling and film. In 1998, at just 25, she married Arbaaz Khan, a decision that surprised her own mother.
"My mum would always say, 'Go out there, enjoy your life, and please don't marry the first guy you date', which I did," Malaika recalled. "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, 'Mum, chill now.'"
For nearly two decades, Malaika lived what appeared to be the expected life, wife to a Khan family member, mother, occasional performer. But somewhere along the way, she recognised something crucial about herself.
Don't Miss: Who Is Simar Bhatia? Akshay Kumar’s Niece Making Her Bollywood Debut With Ikkis
"I never thought I would come this far," she admitted. "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."
Malaika's experience reflects a broader truth about how society polices women's autonomy, particularly as they age. Men are permitted, even encouraged, to pursue youth and beauty regardless of their own age. Women, however, are expected to fade gracefully into the background, making themselves smaller, quieter, less visible.
When women refuse this diminishment, when they continue to pursue desire, ambition, and partnership on their own terms, it unsettles the established order. Malaika's refusal to shrink or apologise challenges the narrative that women past a certain age should be grateful for whatever attention they receive rather than actively choosing partners who excite them.
"You are constantly judged for being strong," she noted. "We are going to have these judgements irrespective."
Despite the criticism, Malaika has maintained her stance with remarkable grace. "I have utmost regard and love for men because some of the men in my life have been instrumental and really amazing," she acknowledged, refusing to paint all men with a broad brush whilst still calling out systemic inequality.
Her mother's early encouragement to live fully and dream boldly seems to have planted seeds that took years to fully blossom. Now, Malaika stands as an example of what's possible when women reject limiting narratives, even when those narratives are loudly and persistently reinforced by public opinion.
The question isn't why Malaika Arora dates someone younger. The question is why we're still asking that question in the first place, and why we never seem to ask it about men.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
Image Courtesy: IMDb and Instagram
Our aim is to provide accurate, safe and expert verified information through our articles and social media handles. The remedies, advice and tips mentioned here are for general information only. Please consult your expert before trying any kind of health, beauty, life hacks or astrology related tips. For any feedback or complaint, contact us at compliant_gro@jagrannewmedia.com.