In a candid and emotionally charged exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Bollywood icon Malaika Arora finally broke her silence about her 2016 divorce from actor-producer Arbaaz Khan. The fitness enthusiast and former VJ shared her journey of choosing personal happiness over societal expectations, revealing the challenges of co-parenting and the criticism she faced for prioritizing her own well-being.
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Malaika Arora Turning Point: When Love Wasn’t Enough
After 19 years together and 18 years of marriage, Malaika and Arbaaz officially parted ways in 2016. The couple, who share 22-year-old son Arhaan, had tried to make their relationship work before reaching the difficult decision.
“I would have loved for my marriage to be forever, but that didn’t happen. But that doesn’t mean I have lost faith in love, or that doesn’t mean what I have done is a huge mistake,” Malaika revealed during her heart-to-heart conversation.
| Marriage Timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | 18 years (1998-2016) |
| Separation Year | 2016 |
| Children | Son Arhaan (22 years old) |
| Current Status | Co-parenting arrangement |
| Malaika’s Current Age | 50 years |
| Arbaaz’s Current Status | Married to Sshura Khan |
Breaking the Silence: Why She Put Herself First
The most striking aspect of Malaika’s revelation was her unapologetic stance on prioritizing her happiness. “At that point, I needed to be happy before trying to work anything else out or making anybody else happy; I was not happy,” she explained.
The actress faced significant backlash for her decision, with many labeling her choice as “selfish.” However, Malaika stands firm in her conviction: “That may be selfish to you. I did what I felt. It is hard for people to understand how can you put yourself first. Yes, I did.”
The Reality of Co-Parenting: Challenges and Growth
When asked about co-parenting with Arbaaz, Malaika was refreshingly honest about the complexities involved. “It has its challenges for sure. It’s very important to find its balance. I cannot sit down here and say, it’s the easiest thing on planet earth. No, it is not,” she admitted.
However, she emphasized the positive outcomes of their arrangement, noting that both she and Arhaan are now in “a much better and happier space.”
Son Arhaan: The Priority That United Them
Despite their separation, both Malaika and Arbaaz have maintained their commitment to their son’s well-being. Now 22 years old, Arhaan has adapted to the co-parenting arrangement with maturity and understanding.
“My son knows what things he should talk to his mother and what things he can talk to his father. We have clear boundaries now,” Malaika shared, highlighting how the family has found balance after years of navigation.
Societal Pressure vs. Personal Happiness
Malaika’s story resonates with countless women who face the dilemma of choosing between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. Her experience reflects a broader conversation about women’s autonomy in Indian society.
The Indian entertainment industry has seen several high-profile divorces in recent years, but Malaika’s openness about the emotional journey sets her apart from others who often maintain silence.
Key Lessons from Malaika’s Journey:
- Self-love is not selfish – Prioritizing personal happiness can benefit everyone involved
- Failed marriages don’t mean failed people – Relationships ending doesn’t diminish individual worth
- Co-parenting requires constant effort – It’s challenging but achievable with commitment
- Children adapt better to happy parents – Even if they’re separated
Current Chapter: Moving Forward with Grace
Today, Malaika continues to thrive in her career while maintaining a cordial relationship with Arbaaz for their son’s sake. Meanwhile, Arbaaz Khan has moved on and is now married to makeup artist Sshura Khan.
The actress remains vocal about women’s empowerment and continues to inspire others through her fitness journey and entrepreneurial ventures. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that choosing personal happiness isn’t just acceptable—it’s necessary.
Impact on Bollywood’s Divorce Discourse
Malaika’s candid revelations contribute to changing narratives around divorce in Indian cinema. Unlike the stigma traditionally associated with separation, her story emphasizes growth, healing, and the courage to choose happiness.
For more insights into celebrity relationships and women’s empowerment stories in Bollywood, explore our comprehensive celebrity lifestyle section that covers real stories behind the glamour.
Her journey reflects the evolving mindset of modern Indian women who refuse to compromise their well-being for societal approval, making her an inadvertent spokesperson for personal autonomy in relationships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long were Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan married?
A: Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan were married for 18 years, from 1998 to 2016. They officially divorced in 2016 after trying to work through their differences for several years.
Q: How do Malaika and Arbaaz manage co-parenting their son Arhaan?
A: According to Malaika, co-parenting has its challenges, but they’ve found a good balance after years of navigation. Their son Arhaan, now 22, understands the clear boundaries and knows what topics to discuss with each parent.
