I confess I took a long time to do this article on Malaika Arora simply because I wanted people to know the real Malaika Arora through my eyes.
Malaika and I go a long way back. I first interviewed her for the cover of India’s most popular women’s magazine ‘SAVVY’ just a few months after her son Arhaan was born. It was for the ‘I Believe’ segment which was like a mini biography. Malaika Arora has always been described as gorgeous, super sexy and stylish – she is all this and more. But more than that, I found Malaika to be a woman of substance. She knew her mind and wasn’t afraid to speak out. We bonded more so because she had just lost her biological father and I had lost mine a few months before. We spoke till late night, way beyond the time allotted for the interview. At that point, she told me, “I have an elephantine memory… I never forget anything.”
After that, I met her at many events, award shows and even did a lot fashion and style-driven articles with her. More than a decade later, I did another ‘I Believe’ interview with Malaika for the cover of SAVVY. During this period, Malaika had gone through a lot of personal upheavals – she had walked out of her marriage with Arbaaz Khan, found love again with Arjun Kapoor and had to deal with constant trolling and media criticism. But she stood tall, strong and fierce amidst all that mayhem
We lost touch briefly after that. However, I met her recently at the Godrej L’Affaire event and even after so many years, Malaika’s elephantine memory was as sharp as can be. The minute she saw me, she recognised me and said, “Of course, we will do this interview. Have I ever said no to you?”
I’ve was so touched by her words that I mused over it for days on how to show the world my perspective of Malaika. Yes, Malaika Arora stands as a beacon of elegance and sophistication in the world of entertainment. Renowned for her impeccable fashion sense, and versatile talent, Malaika has continually pushed boundaries and redefined standards of beauty, glamour, fitness and entrepreneurship.
But beyond this, Malaika is a woman who stands by whatever she says and does. Bold, spirited, articulate and true, she is fanatically loyal to the people she loves. Indeed, Malaika Arote is unstoppable and truly the epitome of TheGlitz super woman. In a candid interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz, Malaika Arora talks about milestones, challenges and more.
Over To Malaika Arora…
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about your life-changing journey that has molded you to be what you are today?
My journey has been a series of transformative milestones that have shaped me into the person I am today. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about fashion, seeing it as a powerful form of self-expression. Over the years, I’ve evolved not only as a fashionista but also as a fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur. Learning to channel nervous energy into excitement has been key for me. Techniques like deep breathing and positive affirmations help me focus and deliver my best in any situation.
Could you speak about your association with Godrej L’Affaire?
My association with Godrej L’Affaire has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s a platform that brings together like-minded brands and audiences, making it the perfect space to showcase my brand, The Label Life. Collaborating with Godrej L’Affaire to showcase our SS’24 collection was a strategic move that allowed us to engage with the right audience and elevate our brand presence.
Could you list three extraordinary milestones you’ve achieved that you really are proud of?
Three milestones I’m immensely proud of include establishing myself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry, nurturing a successful fitness journey, and balancing my role as a mother with my professional endeavors. These achievements reflect my dedication to personal growth and resilience in the face of challenges.
All of us tend to get a little scared or have some demons that plague us, what are your fears or demons and how do you tackle them?
Like everyone, I have my fears and demons. However, I’ve learned to tackle them head-on by channeling nervous energy into excitement. Deep breathing, positive affirmations, and visualizing success help me overcome any obstacles that come my way.
Has it always been a success story or did you also face setbacks? If yes, what are the setbacks you’ve faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
My journey hasn’t been without setbacks. However, I’ve approached these challenges with resilience and determination. Each setback has taught me valuable lessons, shaping me into a stronger and more resilient individual.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
Looking back, the three qualities that have helped me become who I am today are resilience, adaptability, and passion. These qualities have been instrumental in navigating the ups and downs of life and achieving my goals.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
The people who have supported me throughout my journey, including my family, friends, mentors, and collaborators, have been the wind beneath my wings. Their support and encouragement have been invaluable to me.
Would you describe yourself as a strong woman who stands by what she believes in? A feminist? Or both?
I would describe myself as a strong woman who stands by what she believes in and a feminist. I’m committed to empowering women, celebrating diversity, and advocating for equality in all aspects of life.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
If there’s a quote to define me, it would be: ‘Consistency and hard work have no substitute.’ This personifies my approach to entrepreneurship, fashion, fitness, and life in general. Through dedication and perseverance, I believe we can achieve our goals and make our dreams a reality.
