Malaika Arora: I am not hiding, denying anything

Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 24, 2023)

Malaika Arora shot to fame as the Chaiyya Chaiyya girl, after which, she showed her dancing talent in several chartbusters like Munni Badnaam Hui, Maahi Ve, Hoth Rasiley, Kaal Dhamaal and Anarkali Disco Chali.

Ask her if there has ever been a point where she felt that her acting talent has not been tapped for the big screen, and Malaika says, “I’ve never seen myself as an actor, and I’ve never wanted to be one. I have also never said that I wanted to do a particular role. But having said that, never say never. If I get any opportunity where I feel that I can do justice to a role, I will do it.”

Malaika says, “In today’s times, with OTT coming in, things are exciting, and there is good content out there. I never wanted to act on the big screen acting, I am very happy doing the song-and-dance routine, and I love that to date.”

Meanwhile, Malaika is set to return as a judge on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa after many years. “I love TV and I feel I was born for it. I have been on this medium since the start and all my transitions have happened on television - from being a VJ to a judge. I miss it and crave to be on this medium. I also feel that I have been able to make that connection with people through TV.”

Malaika’s personal life has been in the spotlight, talking about how she deals with it, she says, “Well, I have chosen to be in the public eye, so I know what goes with it. Unfortunately, these are the trials of being in the spotlight. I believe that if you are not able to deal with the good and bad, then you are in the wrong profession. Just as I enjoy the good, I have to be able to handle the bad as well. I have made peace with all of this.”

When asked about the rumours of her break-up with Arjun Kapoor, Malaika says, “I don’t want to discuss my personal space as of now, and I am at that stage where I have spoken when I had to speak. I don’t need to clarify anything because whatever has to be said has already been said.”