Malaika Arora Says Men Divorce, Marry Women “Half Their Age” And Get Praise But Woman Is “Judged”
Malaika Arora called out society’s double standards on marriage, divorce and women starting over.
Bollywood actress Malaika Arora, whose personal life has long been a subject of public fascination, recently took a firm stand against the gender bias prevalent in society regarding marriage and divorce. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, the actress and entrepreneur addressed the unfair scrutiny women face when they decide to move on, comparing it to the praise often lavished upon men in similar situations.
During the candid conversation, Malaika highlighted how women are frequently “judged for being strong”. While acknowledging that certain men have been instrumental in shaping who she is, she didn't mince words about the hypocrisy she sees in modern society. She also pointed out the stark difference in reactions to men and women starting over.
“You are constantly judged for being strong. We are going to have these judgments irrespective. Some of the men have been instrumental in my life to shape the woman I am. But in today's day and age, a man doing it- a man living a certain life- is great. A man decides to move on — get a divorce, marry someone half his age — it’s like, ‘Wow, what a man’,” Malaika said.
However, she noted that the narrative flips when the roles are reversed. According to Malaika, a woman making similar choices is questioned. “But when a woman does it, she is questioned. It is like, ‘Why would she do something like that? Doesn’t she have sense?’ There are just constant stereotypes that really need to be shut down,” Malaika added.
Malaika Arora’s comments came from a place of personal experience, as her relationships have consistently been under the scanner. She was married to actor-producer Arbaaz Khan for nearly two decades before they parted ways, officially divorcing in 2017. The former couple shares a son, Arhaan Khan.
Following her divorce, Malaika began dating actor Arjun Kapoor. After several years of being in the public eye together, the two parted ways in 2024.
Meanwhile, Arbaaz Khan has started a new chapter in his personal life. He married makeup artist Sshura Khan in December 2023. The couple recently welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Sipaara Khan, on October 5, 2025.
