Malaika Arora recalls marrying Arbaaz Khan against her mother’s advice, slams societal bias: ‘Men are praised for…’

Malaika Arora opens up on marrying Arbaaz Khan despite her mother’s advice, calls out societal double standards for praising men who marry younger women. Read inside.

In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, celebrities are always under the spotlight, whether it is for their personal life or professional lives. Even matters of their relationship—every relationship, every breakup, and every life decision—become points of discussion. One such similar story is of Bollywood’s celebrated actress Malaika Arora. From stepping into the glamour industry in her early 20s to becoming a household name after Chaiyya Chaiyya to her high-profile marriage and eventual separation from Arbaaz Khan, she has always been in the headlines for her life. Recently, in an interaction, she reflected on her journey and spoke about her life and shared how society measures men and women by different scales.

Early career, rise to fame & unexpected marriage

Malaika entered the world of the limelight when she was in her early 20s as a VJ. Soon, she transitioned into modelling, advertisements, and music videos, until 1998 changed everything. Her breakthrough moment came with her appearance in the iconic song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya.’ That song instantly turned her into a national sensation. That very year, she tied the knot with Arbaaz Khan, Salman Khan’s younger brother, a decision that surprised many and also her own mother.

Malaika recalled how marrying young came as a shock at home. 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.” Her mother questioned the decision, saying, ‘If you do that, how will you ever know what’s out there?’ To that, Malaika says she simply responded, “Mom, chill now.” Yet she remembers her mother as someone who always encouraged her daughters to dream. “She never stopped us from doing anything.”

Life after divorce & moving forward

After nearly two decades together, Malaika and Arbaaz got separated in 2017. Both moved on in their own directions. Arbaaz later started dating Giorgia Andriani and eventually married 35-year-old makeup artist Sshura. The two also recently welcomed a baby boy, making him a father again at 58. Malaika also entered a new phase of life with Arjun Kapoor, who is more than 12 years her junior. However, they soon ended their relationship, and now, according to reports, Malaika is currently dating 33-year-old Harsh Mehta.

But while Arbaaz’s relationships received little questioning, Malaika faced relentless public judgment. Speaking about this bias, 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 Arora on Societal Bias

Reflecting on her journey, Malaika said, “I never thought I would come this far. I imagined I would do a few songs, get married, have kids, and settle down.” But years later, she realised she was meant for more. “I am highly ambitious, hungry to do something different and better.”

Malaika Arora also addressed how women, particularly, are judged more harshly. “You are constantly judged for being strong. We are going to have these judgments irrespective.” However, she also expressed regard for men in her life: “I have utmost regard and love for men because some of the men in my life have been instrumental and really amazing.”