Malaika Arora Questions Gender Bias in Relationships

In a recent interview, Bollywood star Malaika Arora addressed the double standards in societal perceptions of men and women regarding relationships and divorce. She highlighted how men are often praised for marrying younger women, while women face scrutiny for similar choices. Reflecting on her own experiences, Malaika shared insights from her mother's advice on marriage and the importance of living life to the fullest. Her candid remarks challenge traditional views and encourage a more equitable perspective on relationships.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 12:09 IST

Malaika Arora Reflects on Marriage and Gender Norms

Bollywood actress Malaika Arora tied the knot with Arbaaz Khan in 1998, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2018. Following their split, Malaika entered a relationship with Arjun Kapoor, while Arbaaz has since remarried to Giorgia Andriani. Recently, Malaika raised concerns about the judgment faced by women regarding their relationships and divorces, subtly addressing the issue of men marrying younger women without facing similar scrutiny.

'My Thoughts on Men…'
During an interview with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Malaika expressed, 'Women are constantly evaluated on their strength. Opinions will always be there. I have immense respect and love for men, as some have played significant roles in my life.' She further noted, 'If a man decides to move on, gets a divorce, and marries someone much younger, he is praised. However, when a woman does the same, she faces questions about her choices and understanding. Traditional views persist.'

Mother's Advice on Marriage
Malaika also shared that when she decided to marry at the age of 25, her mother was taken aback. She recalled, 'My mother always advised me to enjoy life and not rush into marriage with the first guy I dated, yet I did marry him. She couldn't understand my decision.'

Malaika added that her mother often encouraged her to explore life and pursue her dreams, never holding her back from making her own choices.