Malaika Arora says she faced ‘judgment, backlash’ from friends, family during divorce with Arbaaz Khan; regrets marrying ‘so young’

Dhurandhar Box Office Collection Worldwide Day 25 Update: Ranveer Singh film surpasses Pathaan, earns Rs 1081 cr; highest grossing Hindi film in India

Malaika also called out the hypocrisy of some people who don’t judge or ask the same questions to a man who has made the same life and career choices as she has. “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,” she added.

Malaika Arora says she still ‘believes in marriage’

Saying that she still believes in the institution of marriage, Malaika, however, maintained that she no longer thinks it’s ideal for her unless it happens organically in life. “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 noted.

ICYMI | Rajesh Khanna stood in line for a public toilet with a dabba; it gave him his last hit; Dimple Kapadia called his state ‘pathetic’

During the conversation, Malaika also mentioned that one piece of advice she would give her younger self is not to settle down so early in life. She got married to Arbaaz at 25. “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,” Malaika added.