Malaika Arora Calls Out Society’s Hypocrisy On Divorce; Says ‘Women Are Judged For Being Strong’

Malaika Arora has always lived life on her own terms, and once again, she’s speaking openly about the unfair lens through which society views women. From her early days as a VJ to becoming the face of the iconic Chaiyya Chaiyya, Malaika’s journey has been bright—but never free from judgement.

Calling Out the Constant Scrutiny

In a candid chat with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Malaika addressed the relentless criticism women face. 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.”

Her words highlight a familiar reality, women are policed for the very qualities that men are applauded for.

The Double Standards That Refuse to Die

Malaika didn’t mince words when talking about society’s unequal expectations. She pointed out how men are celebrated for choices that women are shamed for. “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,” she said.

For Malaika, these judgements are both outdated and unfair.

From VJ to National Sensation

Malaika stepped into showbiz in her early 20s as a VJ before moving into modelling and music videos. Everything changed in 1998 when Chaiyya Chaiyya turned her into a national phenomenon overnight. That same year, she surprised fans by marrying actor Arbaaz Khan, an unexpected step for someone just beginning to taste stardom.

After nearly two decades together, the couple parted ways in 2017.

A Life She Never Imagined

Reflecting on her early years, Malaika admitted that she never foresaw the life she leads today. “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 shared.

Her ambition, she says, revealed itself with time and experience.

Her Mother’s Surprise at an Early Marriage

Malaika also recalled her mother’s reaction when she decided to marry at 25. “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.’”

Despite her surprise, Malaika’s mother always encouraged her daughters to dream big and live freely.

Life After Divorce: New Chapters and New Headlines

Post-divorce, both Malaika and Arbaaz moved forward. Arbaaz was briefly linked to Giorgia Andriani before eventually marrying 35-year-old makeup artist Sshura. He recently welcomed a baby, becoming a father again at 58.

Meanwhile, Malaika’s personal life stayed in the spotlight, especially her relationship with Arjun Kapoor, who is over 12 years younger. The two later parted ways, and she is now rumoured to be dating 33-year-old Harsh Mehta.