Malaika Arora recently reflected on the criticism she faced following her divorce from former husband Arbaaz Khan. The 52-year-old actress, who ended her 19-year marriage with Arbaaz in 2017, spoke candidly about the public scrutiny she endured. In an exclusive interview, she said, “I was questioned about all my choices at that point. Nonetheless, I’m so happy that I stuck by my choices. I have no regrets. I felt it was important for me to be happy. Nobody understands that; they are like, ‘How can you put your happiness first?’ But I was okay being on my own.”

Arora also addressed the broader issue of gender bias in society. She criticized the patriarchal mindset that holds women to stricter standards than men. She explained, “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 judgement when it comes to certain aspects in the case of men. Unfortunately, women have to bear the brunt of it daily. Things are said, and fingers are pointed.”

For context, Malaika and Arbaaz married in 1998 and finalized their divorce after nearly two decades together. Despite the separation, the former couple continues to co-parent their son, Arhaan Khan, quietly and amicably.

Since her divorce, Arora has experienced new chapters in her personal life. She married makeup artist Sshura Khan in 2023, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Sipaara Khan, in October 2025. Earlier, she had dated actor Arjun Kapoor from 2018 until their split in 2024. Arora has since chosen to focus on herself and remains single.

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