Actor and fitness icon Malaika Arora has once again spoken her heart out sharing a deeply personal chapter of her life that many women silently relate to. In a recent interview the actress opened up about the emotional journey she went through during and after her divorce from actor-producer Arbaaz Khan and how the decision came with judgment not just from the public but also from people close to her. Malaika and Arbaaz were married for nearly two decades before they parted ways in 2017. Together they share a son Arhaan who is now 23. While the separation made headlines back then Malaika has now spoken honestly about the emotional cost of that phase. “I was judged by everyone around me” Talking about the difficult time Malaika revealed that the criticism did not only come from outsiders. “I faced a lot of judgement and backlash not just from the public but also from my own friends and family” she said. According to her people questioned her choices at every step and found it hard to understand why she chose to walk away from her marriage. Despite the pressure Malaika stood by her decision. “I didn’t know what the future held for me. I had no idea what was coming next. But I knew I needed to make that move for myself. I needed to be happy” she shared honestly. Choosing happiness over approval The actor added that many people found it difficult to accept her decision because society often expects women to compromise. “People ask ‘How can you put your happiness first?’ But I was okay doing that. I chose myself” she said adding that she has no regrets today. Malaika made it clear that her experience did not make her bitter or cynical about relationships. In fact she still believes in love and companionship. Does she still believe in love? “I do believe in marriage” she said. “But that doesn’t mean it’s meant for me right now. If it happens it happens. I’m not chasing it but I’m also not closing the door on it.” She added that she enjoys her life loves deeply and believes in nurturing relationships when the time feels right. After her divorce Malaika was in a long-term relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor which ended in 2024. Today she seems content confident and at peace with her choices. Through her words Malaika Arora sends out a strong message — that choosing yourself is not selfish and that happiness does not always follow society’s timelines. Her honesty has struck a chord with many making her story one of strength self-respect and quiet courage.