“Men Divorce and Marry Younger Women, Yet Women Face Questions”: Malaika Arora
Bollywood actress and style icon Malaika Arora has spoken boldly about the stark gender inequality that continues to shape societal attitudes. In a recent interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Malaika addressed the hypocrisy surrounding relationships, divorce, and women’s autonomy.
“Women Are Judged for Strength”
Malaika said that despite progress, society still evaluates men and women through completely different lenses.
“You’re constantly judged for being strong. Opinions about us are formed even before we act. I have immense love and respect for men because some of them in my life have been wonderful. But the double standards are real.”
“When Men Move On, It’s Heroic. When Women Do It, It’s a Crime.”
Speaking candidly, she highlighted how divorces and second marriages are viewed differently depending on gender.
“If a man wants to move on, he gets divorced, marries a woman half his age, and people say, ‘Wow, what a man!’ But when a woman does the same, she is blamed. People ask, ‘Why did she do that? Doesn’t she have sense?’”
Ambition That Grew With Time
Malaika revealed that her life journey unfolded differently than she once imagined.
“I thought I would sing a few songs, get married, have kids, and settle down. I didn’t know then that I was far more ambitious.”
She added that over time she realized she wanted more out of life and career:
“I always want to do something different and better.”
Marriage, Divorce, and Lessons Learned
Malaika was married to actor-director Arbaaz Khan, and the two parted ways after 19 years of marriage. Speaking about her early life decisions, she shared:
“My mother said, ‘Go out, live life, don’t marry the first man you date.’ But I did exactly that—I married the first man I dated.”
Despite the end of her marriage, Malaika has been vocal about embracing independence, growth, and happiness on her own terms.
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