Malaika Arora reveals how she responded to being called 'selfish' after divorce from Arbaaz Khan: 'Did what I felt...'

Bollywood actress, model, and television personality Malaika Arora has often been in the spotlight, not just for her work but also for her personal life. In a conversation with Pinkvilla, she reflected on her marriage with actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, their separation, and the path of self-discovery she followed after their divorce. Malaika and Arbaaz tied the knot in 1998, and their relationship lasted nearly two decades before ending in 2016. The couple share a son, Arhaan Khan, who is now 22 years old, and both continue to jointly raise him despite living separate lives.

Facing the Sting of Public Judgment

During the interview, Malaika addressed the difficult phase following her separation and how the public perceived her choices. After her divorce, she became the target of online trolling and was branded “selfish” by many.

She recalled that this criticism was particularly painful, but she clarified that her decision to prioritize her own well-being was not about disregarding others. Instead, it was about acknowledging her own needs without guilt. According to Malaika, such a choice is often misunderstood, yet it ultimately allowed her to grow into a more content and stable individual.

"I did what I felt. It is hard for people to understand how you can put yourself first. Yes, I did. That decision today has helped me to be a better person. I have become more at ease with myself, and I'm in a happier space..." she said.

She emphasized that this decision also benefitted her son, as he now thrives in a healthier and happier environment, rather than being caught in a strained household.

The Realities of Co-Parenting

While Malaika and Arbaaz have moved on in their respective lives, their bond as parents remains intact. Speaking about raising Arhaan together, Malaika admitted that co-parenting is rarely smooth. She noted that managing responsibilities as separated parents involves constant adjustments and requires patience and balance. Although it is far from simple, she shared that over the years, she and Arbaaz have learned how to collaborate effectively, creating a system that works well for their son. This understanding has helped them maintain harmony despite the challenges of parenting from different households.

Reflections on Marriage and Acceptance

Malaika also spoke candidly about her marriage itself. She revealed that, like most individuals, she entered her union with hopes that it would last a lifetime. Although the marriage did not work out, she does not see it as a failure or a mistake. Instead, she views it as a part of her life’s journey, acknowledging that not everything unfolds as planned. According to her, there were moments when both she and Arbaaz tried to resolve their differences, but eventually, it became clear that the relationship could not be sustained. For Malaika, the turning point came when she realized she needed to prioritize her happiness before she could bring positivity to anyone else’s life.

Life After Separation

Since their split, both Malaika and Arbaaz have moved forward. Malaika has built a fulfilling life focused on her career, family, and personal growth. Arbaaz, on the other hand, found love again and married make-up artist Sshura Khan in December 2023. The couple announced in June that they were expecting their first child together. Despite their different paths, Malaika and Arbaaz remain united in their shared commitment to their son.