Malaika Arora says she’s judged for her career, clothes and relationships; called ‘too bold, too outspoken’: ‘I felt free when…’

As is often the case with many other female celebrities, Malaika Arora has also faced intense public scrutiny over various aspects of her personal and professional life.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | September 17, 2025 03:06 PM IST

3 min read

As is often the case with many other female actors, Malaika Arora has also faced intense public scrutiny over various aspects of her personal and professional life.

Malaika Arora opens up about facing criticisms and how she learned to deal with them. (Credit: Instagram/@malaikaaroraofficial)

Although Malaika Arora’s acting career never truly took off, the limelight has always found its way to her, thanks in particular to her exceptional dancing skills, which have landed her ample opportunities over the years to make special appearances in hit Bollywood numbers. This, coupled with her sizzling off-screen persona, has also helped Malaika become a part of several reality shows as a judge, keeping her in the public eye almost all the time.

However, as is often the case with many other female celebrities, Malaika has also faced intense public scrutiny over various aspects of her personal and professional life. The actor-television personality herself recently opened up about such criticisms and how she learned to deal with them.

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“It was tough because people love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be. I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships – you name it. But the day I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free. My biggest takeaway? The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself,” she said during a recent interview with Hindustan Times.

“I’ve been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now. If I’m ‘too much’ for someone, they’re probably not enough for me,” she asserted, adding, “Whether in fashion, fitness, or just the choices I’ve made, I’ve never followed a formula. I’ve always believed that real confidence comes when you stop performing for the world and start living for yourself.”

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“Self-doubt is human — it never really disappears. There are days when I question myself, just like anyone else. But over the years, I’ve learned to meet those moments with kindness rather than criticism. Confidence, for me, isn’t about never doubting — it’s about moving forward with grace despite it,” she added.

Most renowned for her appearances alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the evergreen banger “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from Dil Se (1998), and Salman Khan in the item number “Munni Badnaam Hui” from Dabangg (2010), Malaika Arora has also acted in movies like Kaante (2002), EMI (2008), and Housefull (2010). She was previously married to Salman Khan’s brother, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, with whom she has one son.

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