On Siblings Day today, we ask the sisters about some cherished memories of growing up together. Amrita (44) recalls, “Malla has always been protective of me. Through school and college, she always looked out for me. She really took me under her wing.”

Meanwhile, Malaika (51), reflects on their shared experiences: “Growing up together — school, college, and MTV — Amu has always been there. Even when I went on my very first date, she was my plus one! We were lucky that we did this together.”

Having always done things together, one wonders if there was any sibling rivalry or jealousy between them. But Malaika and Amrita are quick to say that it didn’t exist. “She would just stick with me 24/7, and I would tell her, ‘Amu, please give me some breathing space.’ But it was all very healthy. When Amu did her first film, she became her own person,” Malaika shares.

Amrita adds, “The hand-holding stopped because both of us ventured on different paths. But even then, there was never any jealousy.”

And who between the two of them is a secret keeper? Amrita responds, “Malla is secretive, I’m a secret keeper.” she elaborates, “You will never know what is happening in Malla’s personal space until and unless she wants you to. If she wants to share or confess something, she knows I’ll take it to my grave.” Malaika jokingly concurs, “Yes, but Amu’s chances of slipping up are far more.”

As they reflect on the evolution of their relationship from childhood to present day, the sisters credit their mother Joyce Polycarp for playing a significant role in shaping their bond.

Amrita recalls, “Our mother would always tell us, ‘It’s always going to be you and her forever’. That is instilled in us.”

Malaika tells us, “Mum would say, ‘Friends and partners will come and go, but it’s the two of you who will always have each other’s back. You must take care of and protect each other.’ Now, we have our own lives and homes, but we have each other’s back.”

Amrita adds, “Growing up together, I was more of a party girl. Malla was never on board with that. But, she would take a hit for me if I would get into trouble.”

As for how they spend their time together now, Malaika tells us, “I love family time and going on holidays with the kids.” She, however, adds, “One thing I wish we could do more of is spend one-on-one time. I do miss it.”

Despite their closeness, like any other siblings, they have had their ups and downs. “We’ve had our share of fights and there have been days when I wanted to catch her and slap her. That’s how it is with siblings. But at the end of the day, there’s a lot of love and understanding. There have been times when I’ve been upset with her, but Amu always reaches out. Irrespective of what goes on in our lives, all it takes us is one phone call or message to say ‘I need you here’,” Malaika ends.

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I was like a surrogate mother to Amu. She was the cutest kid; she would always come running to me, ‘Didi, I need this, didi, I want that.’ I was very protective of her.

- Malaika Arora, Actor

If a single person says something about my sister, without knowing the facts, I cut them off. I let go very easily, but if its about her, I hold (a grudge). It’s like, ‘Don’t mess with my family.’

- Amrita Arora Ladak, actor