Mumbai: From dancing and acting to judging reality shows, Malaika Arora has tried her hand in everything.
She might be doing well professionally, but Malaika has not been lucky in her personal life.
The actress married actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan in 1998, and the duo has a son named Arhaan. However, after nearly two decades of marriage, the couple parted ways in 2017.
Recalling the scrutiny she faced after her divorce, Malaika shared it was important for her to be happy and that she has no regrets about choosing herself over others.
“I faced a lot of judgment and backlash, not just from the public, but even from my friends and family. I was questioned about all my choices at that point. Nonetheless, I’m so happy that I stuck by my choices. I have no regrets. I didn’t know what was in store for me. I didn’t know what lay ahead. But I knew at that point, I needed to make that move in my life. I felt it was important for me to be happy. Nobody understands that; they are like, ‘How can you put your happiness first?’ But I was okay being on my own. At the most, what (would happen)? I won’t have work for a bit, and people will say certain things,” she was quoted as saying by India Today.
Pointing out how differently society reacts when a woman makes the same choices a man does, she added, “Unfortunately, those questions are never asked. Those eyebrows are never raised. At some level, it’s just understood that we live in a patriarchal society, and this is how things are. There is never any judgment when it comes to certain aspects in the case of men. Unfortunately, women have to bear the brunt of it daily. And if there’s a woman who moves away from the typical, she is no longer the ideal woman. Immediately, things are said, and fingers are pointed. But if you move away from that and make a life, set an example, then you’re doing something right.”
Malaika revealed that she still believes in marriage, but is not chasing it.
“I do believe in marriage, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant for me. If it happens, great. But I’m not seeking it. I’m very content. I was married. Then I moved beyond that. I’ve been in relationships. But I am not jaded. I still love my life. I love the idea of love. I love being loved and sharing love. I love being in a situation where I can nurture something beautiful. So, I’m totally open to it. But at the same time, I’m not seeking it. If it happens… if it comes knocking at my door, then I will,” she expressed.
Reflecting on marrying young, she advised, “Please don’t make the mistake of getting married so young. Yes, beautiful things have happened (during marital life), the best being that I had my kid early. But live and experience life a bit. Then take the call to settle down. Be financially and emotionally independent before you actually settle down.”
