Malaika reflected on the period surrounding her divorce, which followed a 20-year-long marriage. The couple, who married in 1997, legally ended their marriage in 2017. Addressing the scrutiny she endured, Malaika said her decisions were questioned at every step, and her choice to walk away from the marriage was met with resistance.
“I faced a lot of criticism and opposition not just from people outside but also from those close to me,” she said. “At that time, every decision of mine was questioned. But I stood my ground. I have no regrets.”
Malaika described the uncertainty she felt during that phase, admitting that she did not know what lay ahead after the separation. However, she emphasised that prioritising her own happiness was a conscious and necessary choice. “I didn’t know what would happen next, but I knew I had to take that step. It was important for me to be happy, even if no one else understood it,” she said.
The actor also addressed the societal discomfort around women choosing personal fulfilment over conventional expectations. “People asked me how I could prioritise my happiness. I was okay with being alone if that meant peace,” she added.
Despite the end of her marriage, Malaika said her belief in the institution of marriage remains intact. However, she clarified that she no longer views it as a necessity. “I believe in marriage, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant for me. If it happens, it happens. I’m not searching for it. I’m content with where I am,” she said.
Following her divorce, Malaika was in a relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor, which drew significant public attention. Speaking more broadly about relationships, she said she continues to value love and emotional connection. “I like the idea of love. I enjoy giving and receiving love and nurturing something meaningful. I’m open to it, but I’m not chasing it,” she noted.
Malaika’s remarks come at a time when conversations around divorce, personal agency and mental well-being are becoming more prominent in public discourse, particularly for women in the public eye. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the personal cost of public judgment and the resolve required to navigate life beyond long-held social norms.
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