Mumbai, India: Malaika Arora has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and her latest remarks on ageism in Bollywood are no different. In a candid conversation about her career longevity, the 52-year-old performer slammed the “woke” and “ageist” brigades that frequently target her on social media. Addressing the judgment surrounding her glamorous image, Malaika stated that she feels no need to justify her career choices or her fashion sense to anyone.
“I don’t understand what the big deal is,” Malaika remarked during her appearance on a popular YouTube podcast. She argued that if her work makes other women feel good or motivated to stay fit and confident, then she has succeeded in her mission. Over the past year, her appearances in special numbers for films like Thamma have garnered millions of views, proving that her star power remains intact despite the shifting dynamics of the industry.
Malaika further explained that she views her dance performances as a celebration of her journey. While she acknowledged that such songs have historically been linked to the “male gaze,” she insisted that her focus has always been on her own energy and control. “As long as I feel comfortable and in control, that’s what matters most,” she asserted. By continuing to headline major dance tracks, Malaika is effectively redefining what it means to be a female performer in an industry that has traditionally sidelined women once they cross their 30s. Her message remains clear: age is just a number, and self-belief is the only validation that counts.
