Showing posts with label Malaika Arora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malaika Arora. Show all posts
When there is paparazzi, my sons run-Amrita Arora
10:22 AM
From MTV VJ to Bollywood actor to stay-at-home mom and then an entrepreneur, Amrita Arora Ladak has had an exciting and fulfilling journey. She recently opened a restaurant in Goa and lives on both sides of the glare: paparazzi culture, trolls weighing in on her choices, and the reality of raising two teenagers in today’s competitive world. In a conversation with Sidhi Kapoor, Arora divulges the truth about celebrity mom-life and shares some precious life lessons for her sons
Sidhi Kapoor (THE TIMES OF INDIA; April 27, 2026)
How would you introduce yourself today: actor, mom, entrepreneur, or all three?
Well, I don’t really like labelling myself. It’s funny to say, “I am a mom or an entrepreneur.” That’s like being put in a box. I feel I’m a little bit of everything, but if I’ve to give myself a label, it would be ‘mom’.
What does a typical day in Amrita Arora’s life look like now versus 10 years ago?
My day starts by waking up with my children and sending them off to school. Of course, they are grown-up big boys now, but I still see them off. Then, I hit the gym. After that, I take a couple of meetings related to my restaurant. In the evenings, I like going out with my husband (businessman Shakeel Ladak). So, it’s pretty much a simple life. I like it that way.
You became a mom to Azaan in 2010 and Rayaan in 2012. What was the biggest surprise about motherhood that no one warned you about?
Every year is different and you look back at things and wish you did certain things differently. When I had a question, I used to ask my mom and Malla (Malaika) and they both would be like: “Oh, we have forgotten.” So, it is pretty much your own journey with your children and husband. Organically, through mistakes and things that have not panned out the way I thought, motherhood is like a wakeup call. It’s an emotional journey but very fulfilling. I cannot think of my life in any other way, and my two children are the most important beings in my life.
Did you parent differently the second time around? What did you unlearn or relearn?
I keep apologizing to Azaan a lot. I tell him: “I learnt from you and the mistakes I made!” When Rayaan came, things were a lot easier. I was a pro the second time around. With my first child, every moment was overwhelming. I would panic if he had a fever or sometimes when I thought I was not feeding him enough, and things like that. The second time around, things were easier as I had more experience. Of course, I had moments with the younger one as well, but it was still easier.
Have you faced teen drama?
Azaan is 16 and Ray is 13. I did have my moments of teen issues, but they both are genuinely good kids. Little hiccups will always be there but then parenting is a little bit of friendship too, so as parents you need to balance the situation as you go along.
How do you handle paparazzi culture and constant public attention around your kids? Any rules you’ve set as a family?
When there's paparazzi, they run! I tell them to stand for one picture, but they find it cringe (laughs). Then, of course, there are certain things we are particular about since they are at an impressionable age. As teens, they want to go out but then there’s an age limit. We tell them not to get carried away since there is exposure to a lot of things.
Sometimes, you have to take things with a pinch of salt. I believe your kids should be transparent with you; they should not hide anything. They look at me more like a friend, so thankfully both children confide in me and Shakeel all the time.
How do you keep your sons grounded despite the glamour around them?
I think I’m pretty far removed from Bollywood now. But my sons have a little concept of it now because their aunt is very famous. Sometimes, when they are out, they get clicked, but I think it’s not brought home. It’s not a major conversation. It doesn’t affect them…it’s no big deal. Right now, the only excitement kids have is going out and partying with their friends. So Azaan gets to go out a bit. I know all his friends. It’s very important to know if they are in a safe environment and whether he’s hanging out with the right crowd. This makes a huge difference.
After becoming a mom, how did your relationship with work change? Was stepping back a choice or did it just happen?
Earlier, I didn’t do anything. I gave my complete time to my children when they were smaller. It was during the pandemic that I considered opening a restaurant in Goa. Sometimes, my mum took care of them at home. At other times, my kids would join me for work trips. The shift automatically happened. Kids need to see their mother working. I try to strike a balance between being a stay-at-home mom and a working mother. The grounding was very real.
They used to have me in their face 24x7. At some point, I felt I needed to distance myself a bit and let my kids see me working. I was a helicopter mom, and then the kids were tired of seeing me all the time (laughs). Now they are super proud of me and the restaurant. They take pride in talking about it. They are learning that dreams do come true and hard work pays off. Even for Malaika and me, our mom was always a working mom. She’s done it forever. So, the work ethic is ingrained in us since childhood. Our children also know that. Children growing up need that inspiration.
Do you have a good support system to help you strike a balance?
Shakeel, my husband, has always held my hand. I will give him full credit. Anything I want to do, he supports me and encourages me throughout. He is the backbone of our family. Touch wood!
Social media shows a lot of ‘perfect mom’ content. What’s the reality of celebrity motherhood that people don’t see?
People don’t see the normalcy of celebrity life. People think celebrity moms are “spa moms.” The impression is such. At the end of the day, we are no different from anybody. When people see us in our natural habitat, they say, “You are so normal.” Obviously, we are not abnormal! It’s the work that gets you fame and scrutiny. Like my parlour girl should be my hero. She comes from so far away, and works all day. People are all the same and very normal and so are celebrities.
Trolls and unsolicited advice come free with Instagram. Have you ever faced judgment about your parenting online?
Hundreds of times! Like I had put on weight in the past so people have been pretty brutal while commenting on social media. Sometimes, I do look at comments, and it irritates and hurts. You feel bad for a day or so. Shakeel keeps telling me to not read, but when you’re scrolling, you do tend to read a few comments. These trolls have no work. They will comment on everyone, but it hurts.
What advice would you give to new moms in showbiz or otherwise?
New moms just need to give themselves a pat on the back. They should know they are doing a great job. As a new mom, you are always overthinking. You don’t give yourself too much credit for giving birth and looking after the human you carried for nine months. Every mom should know they are doing their best. Do not get influenced by others. Don’t look at someone else’s journey and think why is mine not the same. Don’t look at anyone for validation. Do everything to the best of your abilities.
One life lesson for your children...
I want to raise happy children who are content with the way they look, with whatever they will do in their lives. Not because I am doing this interview, but I honestly believe that if you have happy and healthy children, you are blessed.
Why are women constantly asked to justify how they look, while men aren't?-Malaika Arora
9:49 AM
Actor-entrepreneur Malaika Arora on shutting down age stereotypes and why men are rarely questioned about their appearance
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 2, 2026)
Fitness goals, fashion goals… You name any benchmark in showbiz, and chances are Malaika Arora has already achieved it. As the actor approaches three decades in the industry, she continues to remain relevant. This week on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, Malaika opens up about why she chose not to pursue full-fledged acting roles, her entrepreneurial journey, and her close-knit girl gang. Excerpts:
Looking the way you have for decades, we are sure there’s a lot of happiness and joy around it. But are there moments when you sit by yourself, and a fear creeps in that age might catch up and things could be different?
Now that’s a double-edged sword. There are days when it does cross my mind, when I do wonder or question the obvious. And then there are days when I don’t. Ultimately, I don’t care because I am doing what I love and I feel like I am in my prime. I am hungry and want to do so much, so it doesn’t really affect me. I feel women are constantly asked questions like, ‘At your prime, you were like this, and now you are at this age, how does it feel? Do you still feel beautiful or desirable?’ Very rarely is a man asked such a question. Women are always subjected to this test of looking a certain way, and we have to constantly justify how we look. People often go, ‘Oh my God, at this age she looks so amazing. Oh my God, at this age she’s so fit.’ Why? I was like this then, I am like this now, and I’ll be like this 20 years hence, because I feel good. As women, we have got to wear that on our sleeves as a badge and enjoy it, and not feel threatened or pressured by what society has to say.
At the end of the day, it’s not just the physical appearance. Yes, that’s what the world sees, but I feel you have to balance it out with how you are feeling mentally and emotionally. What is it that drives you? What is it that pushes you out of bed every single day and makes you go, ‘Go out there and seize the day?’ It’s not that every time I look in the mirror, I am thinking, ‘Oh, wow, I look good.’ I just have to wake up every day and say, ‘Today is a new day, and I want to make the most of it, and build some sort of legacy that I, my child, and family are proud of.’
How does it feel to spend nearly 30 years in the industry? What’s the journey been like?
It has been ‘wow’. That’s exactly how I would say it. For me, it’s been like a Hindi movie for over 30 years. There’s been a little bit of everything — fun, sadness, highs, lows, heartbreak, love, personal upheavals, and professional highs. One has experienced a little of all in these 30 years of being in the business, and it’s been amazing. I have loved every moment and look forward to the next 30 years.
Why would you not consider doing a full-fledged lead role all these years?
I think I am different. I didn’t want to do what everybody is doing; I didn’t want to be put into a box. Somewhere, I just felt maybe I needed to pivot and do something different. I was very lucky to get some amazing offers. People kept asking me why was I not doing them, but I was never really drawn or attracted to it. But I have always said ‘never say never’. Maybe one day I just might turn around and say, ‘I want to do this. Maybe this is my calling.’ Somewhere, I was happy doing what I did. Back then, I wasn’t sure I had the bandwidth to carry an entire film, and being part of something impactful felt amazing. Maybe a part of me chose the easier path, but over time, I realized this is what I truly enjoyed.
You call your life a Bollywood film and handle tough moments with humour. How do you do it?
I would like to say I have the last laugh. People may have an opinion, or they may want to ridicule or pull you down about something. But with all the good, there comes bad. There’s so much love and appreciation, which balances things out. At the end of the day, I am the one who sits and has the last laugh.
You’ve worn many hats — from entrepreneur to running a restaurant, now joined by your son, Arhaan Khan. What drives you to keep pushing as a businesswoman?
Well, I could just sit back and say, ‘I’ve had fun, I’ve been blessed to have that kind of career, and I am financially secure, so I don’t need to do anything beyond that.’ I could put my feet up and say that’s that, but I am not that person. I am greedy and hungry when it comes to work and opportunities. I feel all these opportunities have been given to me, and it is important for me to make the most of it. At some point, I didn’t realize that this was the path I was going to go down. I realized, why not throw myself into the deep end? Right from my first venture in collaboration for fashion, and now, a lot has happened. Each one has been a stepping stone.
Out of all the qualities you have, which one do you think your son has inherited the most?
I think it’s his sense of discipline and work ethic. When it comes to the way he leads his life, he’s very disciplined, he’s conscious and has a certain work ethic — always be on time and do things, which I think he’s got from me.
You receive a lot of love on social media, but it’s also a mixed space where people say whatever they want. Does that affect you in any way?
I have said this dozens of times: you don’t just take it with a pinch of salt, take it with a handful of salt. It is a platform. You are there, and it’s very simple. Either you choose to stay away from it, or you strike a balance. For me, I keep things out that I don’t need to engage with. I use social media purely as something that is good in terms of our work. At the same time, you use it in the right proportion, where you put out however much you want, and people get that much glimpse into your life. Enjoy it, have fun with it, and leave it at that. Don’t take it too seriously or get too bogged down by it. Don’t let it govern your life. You have to draw these lines somewhere, and then you are good.
Your girl gang (Amrita Arora Ladak, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor) also gets talked about a lot. In a hypothetical crisis situation, who would you call first?
Family, goes without saying. The girls that we hang out with, they are a phone call away, literally. They are a call away, and I know they will all be there. We stand up for each other and are each other’s support system. There are days where we don’t even connect; we may not talk, but we’ll always be there for each other.
Which actor from the current crop do you admire or really enjoy watching on screen?
I’ve grown up on a staple of Amitabh Bachchan’s films. I have loved his films during my growing-up years, and we keep watching them over and over again. Then, of course, I have always been a Shah Rukh Khan fan. I love his cinema. As you go along, there are so many others who do amazing work and are brilliant actors. But these are the ones I have always been a fan of.
What advice would you give to the people who sometimes feel low?
Being resilient or being able to build a solid inside (inner self) takes a while; it doesn’t happen overnight. There are numerous instances that push you against the wall, where you feel there is no way out. But then you work on yourself. You get strong physically and mentally, and I continue to do that because that’s part of life and learning. There are days where I feel completely bogged down, but I also then dig into my reserves, which are pretty strong, which help me tide over difficult times. If I have to say something, I would always tell people to listen to their body. It may sound silly, but love yourself. As women, we always feel so pressured about so many things. If you are working, there’s always a section of society that will make you feel what you are doing is not good and will tell you, ‘Who’s at home taking care of the kids?’ If you look a certain way, they’ll be like, ‘Isn’t it time for her to give up?’ There’s always something to justify, always a system pushing back. So I just want to say: love yourself.
Malaika Arora's mother Joyce Arora is stuck in Dubai
11:03 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2026)
Escalating tensions involving Iran have significantly disrupted air travel across parts of the Middle East, leading to widespread flight cancellations and rerouted operations. Many travellers found themselves stranded amid the uncertainty, awaiting the gradual resumption of flight operations.
Amrita and Malaika Arora’s mother Joyce Arora, who is currently stranded in Dubai told us, “I came here to celebrate my elder sister’s birthday, and just a couple of days later, we celebrated mine as well. I was supposed to return to Mumbai on March 3, but we received a notification that our flights had been cancelled due to the war.”
She added, “I must say, I feel safe here. In fact, I could see the missiles being intercepted in the sky with my own eyes. It was frightening, but the Dubai military is doing a fantastic job. My daughters are in Mumbai, and they know I am in safe hands. They call me three to four times a day, and we are constantly in touch. Now that some operations have resumed, I’m hoping to return to Mumbai soon.”
Missing the beat: MTV’s OG crew recalls their wildest years
10:58 AM
’90s kids remember when MTV was the boss of cool. Malaika hosted Loveline, Cyrus hosted Bakra. As MTV shuts down some of its channels globally, we’ve hit Rewind
Rachana Parekh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 27, 2026)
First, let’s get one thing out of the way. MTV is going nowhere. Last year, Paramount Global announced that in some countries, the channel will stop broadcasting by December 25. Millennials around the world dropped their TV remote in panic. Turns out, the company was referring only to sub-channels such as MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live. Regular MTV continues, in India too, though we’re not sure who’s really watching.
The channel has been playing here for 30 years. At its peak, MTV was that glorious spot that filled the years between Chitrahaar on Doordarshan and YouTube on the internet. How else were Indians to know that Michael Jackson was the monster all along in his Thriller video? Or that Milind Soman was going to pop out of the wooden box in Alisha Chinai’s Made In India? Or that it was two grandpas who were actually singing Macarena?
Right off, MTV was always more than music. For a generation coming into its own in the 1990s, it was a rebellious older sibling who spoke their language, played their anthems, understood their angst. Sure, MTV played rock, pop and hip-hop. But it also taught a generation how to speak, dress, joke, rebel and belong.
Mumbai writer Shubarna Mukherjee Shu, 43, remembers sitting in front of the living room TV in 1999, landline in hand, when MTV’s Most Wanted played the top songs of the moment. “My friends and I would be on a conference call, collectively praying,” for any song from the Backstreet Boys’ album Millennium to air. “When they finally played one, we’d scream-sing along on the phone. It made our day.”
This kind of magic didn’t happen by chance. Here’s how it all was all part of a grand design.
Forever young
MTV India announced itself with swagger. In January 1996, Slash from Guns N’ Roses flew to Bangalore to jam with Indus Creed at the channel’s launch. Months later, MTV partnered with Michael Jackson for the Mumbai stop on his HIStory World Tour. There was an 11-city roadshow, MTV Get It, making stops on college campuses and getting a sense of what young India was all about.
“The Indian music industry was not developed,” says Seher Bedi, who joined MTV in 1995 as a producer, one of the first employees at the channel. “We had singers and bands, but no music videos. Outside India, nobody knew these artists existed.”
The team started from scratch, shooting videos, packaging live gigs, creating sets. “In that first year, the buzz was insane,” Bedi recalls. “Audiences went crazy when we just showed up to record concerts.”
The graduating class of Indian pop — Alisha Chinai, Daler Mehndi, Lucky Ali, Shaan and Sagarika, KK, Sonu Nigam, Euphoria, Colonial Cousins, Indian Ocean and more — all built their fame on airplay on MTV, and rival Channel [V].
“A R Rahman wasn’t known outside the south then,” recalls Cyrus Broacha, who hosted shows on the channel until 2008. “We were shooting Maa Tujhe Salaam in the desert, and I told him, ‘Bring that bag from the corner.’ I had no idea he’d become this colossal figure. Back then, he was just a colleague.”
International music was funnelled into simplified segments: Unplugged for acoustic recordings; Alternative Nation for indie and alt genres; Headbangers Ball for noisy metal and rock; Select for viewers requests. And, in a move that left Millennials ever grateful, MTV flashed the song’s name, artist, album and often the video director, with every play. What a time to be alive!
“The channel’s high-energy aesthetic left its mark on advertising, film, comedy, graphic design — everything. Show business as we know it today wouldn’t exist without it,” says Alex Kuruvilla, who led MTV India between 1999 and 2006. They called viewers the MTV Generation – kids who chomped on burgers, dared to wear jeans with kurtas, got bored in three minutes (the average length of a song), mourned Kurt Cobain, rapped to Baba Sehgal and knew the difference between RHCP and RATM.
The OG influencers
India needed a little hand-holding to process these new sounds. Enter VJs (video jockeys), young super-confident Indians who dressed stylishly, had radical opinions and jabbered between the songs. It was immediately the coolest job in the country.
“Rahul Khanna was based in Singapore then, so Tara Deshpande and I were technically the first local VJs,” Broacha says. In 1997, Malaika Arora joined to host Club MTV and Loveline. The same year, MTV launched its nationwide VJ Hunt, and discovered Maria Goretti and Nikhil Chinapa.
“I almost didn’t go,” recalls Goretti, who was a model then, and got asked to audition in the last week of the hunt. “I thought maybe they just needed more people on stage. My sister pushed me. I won. It changed my life.”
Chinapa, an architecture student, had been hosting radio shows and live events for pocket money in Bangalore. He participated on a whim. “Anything that popped up, I’d try,” he says. He moved to Mumbai, started off with hosting Select, eventually leaving to set up the Submerge and Sunburn music festivals and shape the channel VH1 Supersonic.
The job looked like fun, but it was relentless: VJs shot links, hosted on-ground events, visited colleges, met brand partners and distributors, attended parties. The pay was modest; the real currency was access — to artists, to ideas, to a rapidly globalising world.
“I don’t think any of us realized how much impact we were having,” says Shenaz Treasury, who hosted MTV Most Wanted and MTV Chillout and moved on to MTV Asia. “It hit me later, when people in Singapore would recognize me on the street and tell me how MTV shaped their style, humour, even their slang, that MTV was bigger than any one show.”
Beyond the music
In 1998-99, the channel went mainstream, including Hindi music in its programming. “While the brand’s DNA was global, everything else – the IPs, programming, the shows, the marketing was hyper local,” says Kuruvilla. “MTV took pride in its local successes.”
It’s most enduring hit: Bakra, in which Broacha essentially pranked unsuspecting folks on camera. No one was exempt – not even movie stars and cricketers. The MTV generation was fearlessly laughing at itself, at others, at life. It spawned 13 competitors within six months and ran for over a decade.
Broacha recalls feedback from an unexpected fan: “Someone called my landline and said, ‘Bal Thackeray speaking,’ He spoke clearly, in English, and said, ‘I just wanted to tell you I love this show. I stop all our meetings at 3.30 to watch it. Keep up the good work’.”
The channel took Indian music to the world. In 1999, Bedi was sent to New York to cover the MTV Video Music Awards, where A R Rahman won the International Viewer’s Choice: MTV India for Dil Se Re, the title track from Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se. “We shot with him across the NYC talking about his favourite places and music,” she recalls. “Later, we took Colonial Cousins to MTV London for the first Unplugged.”
Mini Mathur, VJ between 1999 and 2003, recalls interviewing Richard Gere at an Aids concert, stepping in last-minute to interview Deep Purple, and hosting Aamir Khan alongside the cast of Lagaan.
“The actors were nervous – it was their first big interaction with cameras. I moved easily between English and Hindi, and Aamir looked at me with respect.”
Goretti recalls being part of Gaana Masti, which parodied popular music. “Cyrus and I spoofed an Urmila Matondkar song. We also did Koi Mil Gaya: Mini was Rani Mukerji, Cyrus was Shah Rukh, and I was Kajol. Mad stuff!”
YouTube launched in 2005, Spotify launched worldwide in 2008 (and in India in 2019). Music videos, MTV’s lifeblood, were now free and on-demand. So, it pivoted to reality shows. It was a new MTV generation, one that dreamed of making it to Roadies and Splitsvilla, who understood the power of their own stories and voice.
“When people auditioned, they’d talk openly about trauma – facing abuse for being gay, skinny, fat, identity,” says Chinapa. “We encouraged young people to speak.”
We no longer need VJs, handholding or a chance to speak. We’re doing it all ourselves, editing, adding filters and clapping back at trolls. But MTV’s spirit – Indian yet international, irreverent but honest – it will take more than a channel shutdown to stamp that out.
Shah Rukh Khan visits Salim Khan at Lilavati Hospital
3:22 PM
Salim Khan has been admitted since Feb 17 following a minor brain haemorrhage. Other celebs who visited him on Saturday include Malaika Arora, Zeeshan Siddique, and Avinash Gowariker
HINDUSTAN TIMES (February 23, 2026)
Saturday evening saw actor Shah Rukh Khan visit veteran screenwriter Salim Khan at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, extending support to the Khan family after the 90-year-old’s recent health scare.
Salim, father of actor Salman Khan, has been admitted since February 17 after suffering a minor brain haemorrhage. Pulmonologist Dr Jalil D Parkar had earlier told the media that Salim’s condition is stable and he is under observation in the ICU following a medical procedure that did not require surgery.
SRK spent over an hour at the hospital before leaving late in the evening. Soon after, actor Malaika Arora, former wife of Salim’s son, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, was also seen arriving to check on the veteran writer. Zeeshan Baba Siddique, son of late politician Baba Siddique who was a close associate of Salman, along with photographer Avinash Gowariker, were also spotted visiting the same evening.
Hospital authorities have said that the veteran screenwriter is responding well to treatment. Meanwhile, the Khan family has requested privacy as Salim continues his recovery.
The long game of hospitality: Here's how Malaika Arora gets it done
9:50 AM
A year in the business, Malaika Arora reveals the realities of building and sustaining a restaurant in Mumbai
Nasrin Modak Siddiqi (MID-DAY; January 25, 2026)
Running a restaurant beyond the romance and opening-night buzz is not for the faint-hearted. Once the applause fades, the real work begins. Set inside a 90-year-old Portuguese bungalow in Bandra, Scarlett House feels less like a celebrity venture and more like an extension of Malaika Arora’s everyday life. The idea grew organically from how she eats and hosts at home: inviting friends over, recreating dishes discovered while travelling, and paying attention to how food makes you feel after the meal, not just during it.
From the outset, the intent was clear: comfort without excess, wellness without sermonizing, and a space people would want to return to, again and again. One year into running Scarlett House, the journey has been less about trends or visibility and more about understanding the realities of hospitality: consistency, restraint, and the patience required to scale thoughtfully. These are the lessons that shaped the first year.
Lesson No 1: Learn the business, not just the dream
I wasn’t great at Math in school. Economics intimidated me; but running a restaurant forced me to confront what I once avoided — budgets and planning. Terms like net, gross, EBITDA and sales splits were unfamiliar but I learnt on the job. I don’t have a business degree, but this is real-world education.
Lesson No 2: Hospitality is a people business
Food and beverage is a people-facing space where you communicate daily. Beyond menus and margins, the biggest learning has been people. Teams, guests, and collaboration — there are so many moving parts, you have to understand people to run a place like this.
Lesson No 3: Emotion can’t run the menu
It’s easy to get emotionally attached to dishes and you don’t want to remove anything, but nostalgia has to be balanced with performance. When you realize some things don’t move; you edit, you tweak, you rethink. Menu building is about thinking ten steps ahead.
Lesson No 4: Comfort wins; surprises follow
“Some dishes going viral surprised me. Like the khichdi and paneer thecha weren’t designed as hero dishes—they were home food. That’s what people connect to. Comfort food always finds its way.”
Lesson No 5: Consistency matters more than novelty
“Every time you’re back, it should taste exactly the same. Menus may evolve, but favourites stay. People return for familiarity—for a certain flavour, a certain feeling. That consistency is very important.”
Lesson No 6: Collaboration builds better businesses
“It’s never one person’s decision. From chefs and bar teams to marketing and design, every voice shapes the final outcome. You take a little from everybody. That’s how a collaborative business works.”
Lesson No 7: Scaling needs structure, not speed
“Not every space can be a flagship. Expansion was always planned, but with restraint. The DNA stays the same, but the space adapts. We don’t want to become massy or spread ourselves thin.”
Lesson No 8: Operations will humble you
“We thought we could do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We couldn’t. Reality demanded simplification. Once we focused on what was practical, everything worked better.”
Lesson No 9: Respect the space and the system
We’re in a heritage building. You have to respect the structure, the neighbourhood, the people. Behind the scenes are approvals, systems, and daily negotiations. There’s so much involved that people never see.”
The label ‘item number’ felt a bit limiting-Malaika Arora
8:15 AM
Malaika Arora discusses dancing past stereotypes, ignoring trolls and owning her narrative in an ageist industry
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 17, 2025)
Actor Malaika Arora turned a year older last month, writing on Instagram, “Thank you all for the love, the wishes, and for making my 50th truly special.” This milestone has become a talking point, not just because of the number, but because she continues to headline dance numbers in a business where ageism still shapes many women’s careers.
“It’s about evolving with the times without losing your core. You have to keep learning, stay fit, reinvent your style, and most importantly, keep your passion alive,” she tells us, adding, “I never want to be complacent or stuck in a particular image. If young performers, especially women, feel confident about choosing their own path because of something I did, that would be the greatest legacy.”
While she did try her hand at acting, Malaika admits her real impact was always forged on the dance floor: “Acting never gave me the same rush as performing a dance number. I enjoyed acting, but dance feels like home to me.”
Many of her early hits were labelled ‘item numbers’, a tag she found restrictive. “The label ‘item number’ felt a bit limiting, but today I see so many artistes taking it as a creative challenge. The focus is more on performance, concept, and how a song fits into the narrative.” As for stepping behind the camera someday, she simply says, “Never say never.”
On the personal front, she remains unfazed by scrutiny around her relationships and choices. “I’ve learned to focus on my truth, and I don’t let negativity decide my self-worth. Trolls will be trolls, but I choose not to engage with that toxicity,” she says, adding that her idea of love today is simple: “Love is about respect, happiness, and companionship.”
How MTV's VJs defined pop culture before the arrival of influencers
9:34 AM
MTV India VJs who became style and cultural icons. (From left, seated: Malaika Arora, Cyrus Broacha, Maria Goretti, Shenaz Treasury, Mini Mathur, (standing) Cyrus Sahukar, with former MTV producers Seher Bedi and Preeta Sukhtankar
In India, the M(usic) had gone out of MTV long ago. Now, the channel is shuttering its music channels in Europe. But its VJs, who had made TV cool, have banded together and are now making everyday life look cool, one reel at a time
Mohua Das (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 16, 2025)
After four decades of shaping youth culture and late night channel surfing, MTV is finally turning down the volume. But while MTV channels abroad — its parent, Paramount Global, announced on Oct 12 that MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live will go off air by the year-end — prepare for their swan song, MTV India remains alive. The catch? Here, the music died a while ago, somewhere between the last CD shop and the first streaming app.
What it left behind was a tribe of OG video jockeys (VJs) who defined pop TV and then outlived it.
Nearly four decades later, the faces that once invented what it meant to be young, loud and slightly ridiculous on Indian television — Cyrus Broacha, Cyrus Sahukar, Shenaz Treasury, Nikhil Chinapa, Malaika Arora, Maria Goretti, Mini Mathur, and others — have regrouped for an encore.
There’s a reason for that. The nostalgia had never really left. Every time a former VJ posts an old clip, comments flood in. “If you grew up in the ’90s, we were part of your life,” says Cyrus Sahukar. That shared history still binds the old gang.
“Everyone’s in touch and hangs out quite a bit. It feels like home,” says Shenaz.
The old MTV crew have remained unusually close now that ‘home’ has a new address: Instagram. Under the banner of Bratpack Studios, the collective they launched in Aug 2024, they’re doing what they’ve always done best — talking, laughing, oversharing, and making everyday life look cool.
The studio serves up weekly drops of music, travel, food and laughter but, more than anything, the nostalgia of everything they once stood for.
Back then, each VJ was a one-person brand before influencer culture even had a name. Its hosts introduced not just songs but a new way to talk, dress and laugh. While Doordarshan gave you discipline and family values, MTV gave you Cyrus Broacha in a short skirt and heels who got himself waxed for a Women’s Day gag.
For Nikhil Chinapa, the architecture graduate who won the VJ Hunt, MTV was never just a channel but an awakening. “I’ve met people from small towns who watched MTV and realized there was a world outside their world.”
One was rapper Raftaar, whose mother pointed at Chinapa on TV and said, “He’s from South India, too, so you can do it.”
“I’m not saying I’m the reason Raftaar became Raftaar,” he grins, “but that’s the kind of permission MTV gave.”
That sense of possibility was infectious. “There was a guy called Vishal from Bihar who stole cable TV from a neighbour’s house to watch MTV and later became its executive producer.”
To Chinapa, that was MTV’s real legacy. “It became an accidental torchbearer for empowerment. Through shows like Roadies, MTV spoke about gender equality, same-sex acceptance, even abuse within families but never in a preachy way.”
Shenaz, the bubbly boho face of MTV Most Wanted, still remembers how it began. A St Xavier’s student, she was spotted through an ad audition.
“I auditioned for Club MTV... Malaika got that, and I became her stylist, and also Broacha’s,” she recalls.
Within months, she had an offer from Singapore Airlines, but her boss convinced her to stay: “He said, ‘Either you see the world or the world sees you’.”
That spontaneity defined the era — a brief, unselfconscious decade. “Most Wanted didn’t have a director telling us what to do. I just did my own thing... I used to shoot 10 shows a day.”
That DIY energy served as training for the creator economy she works in now. “I learned filmmaking through MTV... producing, editing, everything,” she says.
Age Of Irreverence
Broacha — MTV’s original prankster — was the accidental VJ, a theatre kid who nearly joined Channel V in Hong Kong before MTV offered him a reason to stay home.
“In 1996, MTV wanted regular guys. The others were models, too good-looking, strange accents... I looked like a boy with no hope... so I represented a lot of boys with no hope,” he laughs.
Looking back, he shrugs with affection. “Fourteen years at that damn channel, getting paid nothing; of course, it shaped me. Being MTV VJ was a badge of honour. I’m embarrassed to admit it because it’s such a vacuous profession, but for a little while, you turned heads. People treated you with a lot of unnecessary respect.”
Sahukar, barely 18 when he won the VJ Hunt, brought satire to MTV’s scriptless comedy. His Fully Faltoo spoofs like Semi Girebaal — a parody of ‘Rendezvous With Simi Garewal’ — famously outrated its source material. “Can you believe that? It actually did better.”
Could they get away with that kind of humour today? “Dude, I’d be thrashed. I don’t think Simi was too happy with it either,” he concedes. “But back then, people didn’t have an opinion on everything. Outrage existed, but it didn’t have an audience. It was freer. You could be silly without overthinking.”
Broacha agrees. “Before 26/11, we had no problem being on the road dressed as cops, doing almost violent capers. We did end up in the lock-up, explaining we were just doing a silly show and then let off without much noise,” he says about shooting MTV Bakra, India’s first reality show based on candid camera pranks.
That mix of madness and camaraderie became MTV’s signature. “It was egalitarian... There was no star system,” says Broacha.
Sahukar agrees. “It was a golden time. No one cared about algorithms or likes. It was about doing things that were fun and stupid and hoping others found it funny, too.”
That was before the music faded, and the idea of a “music television” dissolved into the endless noise of non-music content.
“MTV became everything except music,” says Shenaz. “And lost its niche in 2003–2005, when they decided, ‘let’s just go mass and do reality TV...’ then it became like every other channel and stopped being cool.”
After MTV, the gang scattered but never really left the spotlight. Chinapa built India’s EDM scene from scratch, Shenaz became an actor and travel vlogger, Mini turned producer and anchor, Malaika a style and fitness icon, Maria a chef and cookbook author, Sahukar an actor and show host, and Broacha, keeps tickling funny bones like no one else can.
Could MTV ever be rebooted? “It would have to be run by the youth again,” says Sahukar. “You can’t have older people deciding what young people want to watch,” Broacha feels. “It could have become some sort of influencer-run OTT platform... but we’re the ‘Last of the Mohicans’.”
And yet, as Sahukar points out, MTV’s DNA never really disappeared, it just moved online. “You could cut what MTV did for 10 years into reels and you’d have a full-fledged network. But you’d still need to build culture. Because that’s what it really was. Pop culture.”
Malaika Arora reveals the weirdest beauty treatment she has tried: "It was so slimy"
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Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 30, 2025)
Malaika Arora’s beauty philosophy has evolved over the years, from ditching heavy powdering to embracing a dewy glow. Today, it’s all about finding the perfect balance. In this candid conversation, the actor opens up about her non-negotiable bedtime skincare ritual and reveals the quirkiest beauty treatment she’s ever tried.
On her makeup hacks
“For me, beauty is about balance. I enjoy playing with one strong element — like a bold lip or dramatic eyes — and keeping the rest subtle. My little hack is to keep skin fresh and dewy; less really is more,” says the 51-year-old, adding, “I gravitate towards products that feel light and nourishing, like lip oils that add just the right amount of shine while keeping my lips healthy.”
Malaika’s secret to Long-lasting makeup
She shares, “Longevity always starts with skin prep — hydration and primer make all the difference. When your skin feels good, your makeup naturally performs better. And the mistake I’ve learned from? Over-powdering. In my early days, I thought matte meant flawless, but I’ve realised nothing looks better than skin that still looks like skin.”
On her skincare ritual
Malaika reveals that she follows a dedicated skincare ritual every night before bed, no matter where she is. “I never sleep with makeup on. Double cleansing is my golden rule, followed by a nourishing cream or oil. For me, ending the day with skincare is less routine and more a mindful gesture of love for my skin,” she says.
The strangest beauty treatment she’s tried
Recounting the weirdest beauty treatment she has tried, Malaika says: “A beauty treatment I tried once was slimy but surprisingly good. It was a snail facial! My takeaway? I’ll try anything once, but the basics always work best.”
Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, Malaika Arora’s joint US tour scrapped
8:35 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 16, 2025)
In August, the Golden Divas Magical Tour was announced as an eight-city concert across the US headlined by Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Raveena Tandon, and Malaika Arora. But with barely a month left to go before the October concerts, a lot has changed. What had been billed as a celebration of Bollywood’s ’90s dancing divas coming together has now been reduced to solo performances by Arora. While Dixit seems to have dropped out of the Golden Divas Magical Tour and is fronting a solo act, Tandon’s involvement remains uncertain.
Sources close to the project revealed that the decision to cancel the joint appearances stemmed from logistical hurdles. A source told mid-day, “Coordinating the schedules and commitments of the three stars was proving nearly impossible. The timelines, venues, and travel made it unworkable.”
Now, Arora will have solo performances in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, and San Diego between October 3 and 12. Dixit, who has been touring select cities in the US since last year, has added a new concert to her calendar — at Boston on November 3. The event, being promoted as An Evening with Madhuri Dixit, positions her as the sole attraction.
“This is an added show to her ongoing tour, not part of the Golden Divas concept anymore. But it is with the same production company Worldstar,” the source clarified.
Meanwhile, there is no word on Tandon’s participation, with insiders suggesting that the actor — who is currently shooting for a yet-untitled film — may not have free dates.
mid-day reached out to Worldstar, which didn’t respond till press time.
Breakups are tough, especially if you’re the one who didn’t initiate it-Dino Morea
9:53 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 20, 2025)
Every year, Dino Morea looks forward to Easter brunch. This time, he got into the Easter spirit a little early with us, enjoying a fun lunch with delicious food, while posing with classic Easter eggs and bunnies.
‘Easter is about hope and new beginnings’
Holding up a few colourful, chocolatey eggs, Dino shares, “The egg stands for life after death. It’s a symbol of a fresh start and pretty much captures the whole meaning of Easter — Christ’s resurrection after Good Friday. And the bunny is all about abundance, because well, they multiply fast. So yeah, for me, Easter is about hope and new beginnings.”
‘Every day, I’m out there letting people know I’m working and looking for great roles’
As Easter is all about fresh starts, Dino’s all geared up for what 2025 has in store. He’s got some exciting projects in the pipeline – like Housefull 5 and the web series The Royals.
“Showbiz is like a roller coaster – some days are amazing, some not so much. It’s a constant hustle. Every day, I’m out there letting people know I’m working and looking for great roles. I believe there will be a moment when things will pick up again. I also believe in luck – some people have stars that align perfectly, and for others, it’s all about the grind. I’m in that second category right now. I had that lucky streak before, but something shifted along the way,” he says, and adds, “Getting in (the industry) was easy. But staying there? That’s the real challenge. Making the right choices, staying relevant – it’s tough.”
‘Love and heartbreak are all part of life’
In one of his earlier interviews, Dino hinted at being in a relationship. Ask him if he’s dating someone, and he says, “I won’t answer that directly, but I love love. It’s an amazing feeling. Maybe I am in love, maybe not. I’m not denying it, but I’m not confirming it either.”
Talking further about love, he shares, “You grow from your experiences, and you get wiser. Love is beautiful.” On heartbreak, Dino, who has dated women from the industry in the past, says, “Everyone’s moved on and there’s no bad blood. If we bump into each other, it’s always nice. Breakups are tough, especially if you’re the one who didn’t initiate it. However, love and heartbreak are an inevitable part of life. You’ve got to respect each other and move forward.”
‘I can’t cook at all, so I miss my mom’s food a lot’
Every year, Dino celebrates the day with his parents and brothers, who live in Bandra, close to his home.
He shares, “Our cook whips up a feast. I can’t cook at all, so I miss my mom’s food a lot. This year, though, my parents are in Bengaluru. Growing up, Easter was a mix of my mom’s home-cooked meals and pasta, because my dad is Italian. This time, it’s going to be me with my brothers and some friends. Our cook’s planning to make roast chicken, mashed potatoes, salads – basically a full English spread.”
Festive days also mean catching up with his Bandra buddies like Malaika Arora. “We always exchange messages, chat about the season, and sometimes even attend mass together,” he says.
Malaika would take a hit for me if I would get into trouble-Amrita Arora
9:07 AM
From growing up together to navigating life in the limelight, actors Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora Ladak tell us they have always been each other’s confidante.
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 10, 2025)
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
For me, tattoos come at significant turning points in my life-Malaika Arora
8:19 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2025)
At a recent red carpet event, Malaika Arora caught everyone’s attention when she revealed her new tattoo, albeit unintentionally. Her new ink, which reads sabr shukr, obviously has a deep-rooted meaning. We spoke to Malaika about this new addition to her life and the thought behind it.
‘My tattoos have deep personal meaning’
Malaika, who is really excited about her new tattoo, explains, “For me, tattoos come at significant turning points in my life. I don’t get them just for the sake of it, they have deep personal meaning. This particular one symbolizes the year that 2024 has been for me. The words ‘patience’ (sabr) and ‘gratitude’ (shukr) are very comforting. These words resonate with me when I think about where I am now, compared to where I was just a year ago.”
2024 was a challenging year for the actress – she lost her father Anil Mehta in September. Also, her breakup with Arjun Kapoor made headlines for most part of the year.
‘My previous tattoo was done eight years ago after my divorce’
Malaika believes that every tattoo should tell a unique story. “I see tattoos as symbols of memories and thoughts I want to carry with me forever,” she says, adding, “I got this new tattoo on the day it got revealed. They had placed a plaster over it, and it was irritating me, which is when the cameras caught it. I didn’t even realise it then. My previous tattoo was done eight years ago, after my divorce (from Arbaaz Khan). That tattoo shows three birds in flight marking a new phase in my life.”
‘If love is meant to be, it will be’
Taking a cue from her tattoo, we ask Malaika if she is open to seek love again. She replies, “I’m not focused on that right now. These are things you can’t plan. I’m just grateful for the patience I’ve had, which has helped me reach a better headspace. I wasn’t in a great place before, but I’m in a much better, calmer and happier space now. I can’t force what happens next… if it’s meant to be, it will be.” Talking more on matters of the heart, Malaika adds, “I’ll always believe in love, until my last breath. Love drives me, and I’ll always have love in my life.”
Malaika on her social media posts: There’s nothing cryptic about my posts
Malaika is often seen sharing her thoughts on Instagram, leading many to believe that her posts are cryptic and hinting at certain things or people. One of her recent posts read, “Touching a heart for a second can touch a soul for a lifetime,” while another one read, “Some days you are healing, some days you are feeling, some days you are thriving, some days you are just getting by and it’s all valid.”
Talking about that, she says, “There’s nothing cryptic about my posts. They are not aimed at anyone. They are just my thoughts that I feel like sharing. People sometimes overanalyze them and create their own stories. Many of these posts are shared by my mom. I like them, so I post them on social media. That’s all there is to it.”
We all know that dad would have wanted some Christmas cheer at home-Malaika Arora
8:26 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 25, 2024)
Every year, Malaika Arora celebrates Christmas at her mother, Joyce Polycarp's home in Bandra. It's been a tradition that the family has followed for many years now. This year, though, the mood is sombre, as Malaika lost her father, Anil Mehta, in September.
'It's very difficult for me to talk about the festival this year'
Malaika shares, “It's very difficult for me to talk about Christmas this year. We didn't want to do anything, but we all knew that dad would have wanted some Christmas cheer at home. So, mom will just cook her favorite dishes for a close set of people. This year, we will celebrate the festival in his remembrance. It's a difficult phase for us as a family, and we will deal with it together.”
'Dad's passing away was very shocking'
Soon after her father's demise, Malaika returned to work, hoping that it would help her divert her mind. “Dad's passing away was very shocking. Everyone has a different way of coping with grief and loss. Luckily, we are all there with our mother; she's probably the strongest woman on earth, and we get our strength from her. I tried getting back to work because everybody said it's the best way to heal, but I found it tough initially. It was difficult to meet people and maintain a tough exterior. Eventually, I did get back to work, but only after I felt I was in a better headspace. After all, you will never be able to completely deal with such a loss. People will assume a lot of things and comment on social media. "It's sad that some people say, 'Oh, she bounced back so soon', but they don't know that as a public figure, you have certain commitments, and you have to put up some posts," she shares.
'If Arhaan wants to be an actor, he will have to dedicate two-three years of his life preparing for it'
This year was special for Malaika as her son Arhaan came into the limelight. He began with his podcast, became popular with the paps and also ventured into the restaurant business.
Talking about her son, Malaika says, “Arhaan was away studying. He came back and wanted to do something, so he produced the podcast with his friends. Arhaan was a shy boy. He has changed, and it's good to see this side of him. He wants to dabble in different things. Will it eventually culminate in him getting into films or showbiz? Well, that's a choice he has to make. If he wants to be an actor, he will have to dedicate two-three years of his life preparing for it.”
'It is time for all of us to move on from whatever happened this year'
Malaika's break-up with Arjun Kapoor was in the news earlier this year. While she hasn't spoken about it, at an event, Arjun said he is single. Ask her about this, and she says, “I am a very private person, and there are certain aspects of my life which I don't want to elaborate on much. I will never choose a public platform to talk about my personal life. So, whatever Arjun has said is entirely his prerogative. I just want to say that, yes, it has been a very trying year for various reasons. I think it is time for all of us to move on from whatever transpired in the year that went by. I am ready for the New Year and a new start in my life.”
Arjun Kapoor opens up about rushing to Malaika Arora's side after her father's death
10:44 PM
Arjun Kapoor says it was an ‘impulsive’ decision, citing his own ‘fear of loss’
HINDUSTAN TIMES (December 22, 2024)
Actors Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora’s breakup earlier this year made headlines, with Arora remaining mostly silent on the matter while Kapoor occasionally confirmed their separation. So, it came as a surprise when he was spotted by her side following the death of her father, Anil Arora, in September (see right).
In a recent appearance on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Kapoor explained why he chose to be there for his ex during such a difficult time, despite the common belief that exes usually avoid one another. “Without going into one instance... when what happened with dad (filmmaker Boney Kapoor’s wife, Sridevi, died suddenly in 2018) and Khushi-Janhvi (Kapoor, actors-sisters), there was an impulse. And in this case, also, there was an instinct and impulse,” he shared.
“If I’ve formed an emotional bond with somebody, I would always like to believe that I will be there, regardless of the good or the bad. If I’m invited for the good, I’ll be there. And if I’m needed for the bad, I’ll be there. I’m not somebody who has a lot of friends; I’m not doing this for all and sundry. If that person doesn’t want me there, I’ll maintain a distance, as I have in the past with other relationships.”
Kapoor, 39, also reflected on how the media and the industry have evolved over time. “When I made my debut, and when I was growing up, there were a lot of things that were clandestine, and for the right reasons. It’s one thing to have gossip, but the moment you confirm things now, there’s a culture of wanting to know everything. Nowadays, you can’t just go to a restaurant without being ‘spotted’. Everyone has a phone, forget the paps.”
Losing his mother, Mona, at a young age has also shaped his perspective on life and relationships. “There’s a fear of loss,” he said and added: “My mom left me, my father made a choice. So, there’s a feeling that eventually, everyone will leave.”
Despite uncertainty over The Legend Of Maula Jatt's India release, Fawad Khan starts filming for his Bollywood comeback
8:59 AM
Fawad and Vaani kick start shoot for their romcom; Malaika and Ridhi to join the unit in London
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 6, 2024)
Although The Legend Of Maula Jatt has not yet received clearance to release in India, Fawad Khan has begun his return to Bollywood. The Pakistani actor and Vaani Kapoor kickstarted the shoot of their romantic comedy in London on September 28. “It is a 40-day schedule from start to finish,” a source said about the film directed by Aarti S Bagdi.
Tentatively titled Abir Gulal and produced by Vivek Agrawal of Udta Punjab (2016), Super 30 (2019), and Vikram Vedha (2023) fame, the film revolves around two emotionally wounded individuals who cross paths by fate, help heal each other, and eventually fall in love.
After Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), this will be Khan’s first appearance in Hindi cinema. The ban on Pakistani artistes in India began after the 2016 Uri terror attack. “The movie is about a London-based chef [Khan] and a simple, traditional girl from India [Kapoor], who has come to visit the city,” said the source, adding that it is a simple yet well-crafted love story.
“[The cast and crew] will shoot across the city until November 10. Malaika Arora and Ridhi Dogra will join the unit in London. After that, Fawad will return to Pakistan, while the team will resume the shoot in Mumbai for a week. The principal shoot and songs are being shot in London,” said the source.
On October 17, 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking an absolute or complete ban on Pakistani artistes in India, noting that it would hinder efforts to promote peace, unity, and cultural harmony.
Malaika Arora’s father Anil Mehta falls to death from 6th floor
3:56 PM
V Narayan (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 12, 2024)
Model-actor Malaika Arora’s father Anil Mehta (62) allegedly jumped to his death from the balcony of his 6th-floor apartment in Bandra’s Ayesha Manor on Wednesday. Police said while no suicide note was found, initial suspicions point towards old age and depression due to ill health as reasons for the step. Besides going through the building CCTV footage, police are looking for Anil’s diary hoping for insights into the cause. A building resident saw Anil, who had worked in the Merchant Navy, fall to his death and alerted the family and others.
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V Narayan (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 12, 2024)
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Malaika Arora’s father, Anil Mehta (62), allegedly died by suicide after falling from the balcony of his sixth-floor apartment at Ayesha Manor in Bandra (W) on Wednesday.
Bandra police are investigating the case to determine the motive behind his action as no suicide note was found at the scene.
Initial suspicions point towards old age and depression due to ill health a s the reasons for this extreme step.
Police are also looking for Mehta’s diary hoping that it may provide insights into the exact cause behind his action, said police sources. Mehta, originally from Fazilka in Punjab, had worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.
“The deceased was in the balcony when he fell off between 10.30 am and 11 am. The family said they suspect it is a case of suicide. A case of accidental death report has been registered. No suicide note was found from the flat or in possession of the deceased,” said an officer from Bandra police station. “We are going through the building’s CCTV footage.”
Mehta’s wife was alerted to the incident by a building resident. “A resident standing near a parked car on the building premises saw him fall. The eyewitness alerted other residents who then called the police,” the police officer said.
Following the incident, Malaika and her sister Amrita rushed to Ayesha Manor, while many celebrities visited to pay their respects. After the post-mortem, Mehta’s body was handed over to the family.
Suicide prevention helplines: Vandrewala Foundation: 9999666555; I-Call (Tiss): 9152987821 (Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm); Samaritans Mumbai: 8422984528, 8422984529, 8422984530.
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BOMBAY TIMES (September 12, 2024)
Malaika Arora’s father Anil Arora passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday morning, a police official said. As per reports, Anil allegedly fell off the sixth floor of a building in Bandra area. Police rushed to the spot and shifted him to a hospital where he was declared dead before arrival. The exact reason behind the incident was not yet known, an official was quoted as saying, who also added that an investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, a source told PTI, “It’s true that Malaika’s father passed away this morning. He has not committed suicide, it’s an accident. They all are shocked because he had no ailment or anything as such.”
Upon receiving the news, Malaika, who was in Pune, rushed to Mumbai. Amrita Arora Ladak, too, was seen arriving at the Bandra residence. Malaika’s ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, followed by his parents Salim and Salma Khan and brother Sohail Khan as well as Arjun Kapoor were seen arriving at the residence.
My style is easy, it’s a little sexy, not very bossy-Malaika Arora
8:59 AM
In a shoot with HT City Showstoppers, Malaika Arora talks about embracing her individualistic style and feeling comfortable in her own skin
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 31, 2024)
From being the iconic Chaiyya Chaiyya girl to slaying it at the red carpets, and the reality shows she judges, actor Malaika Arora is a force to reckon with. When it comes to style, nobody does it better than her. “Style is something inherent, and an extension of the person that you are,” she says, adding that hers has always been a reflection of her personality.
“My style is easy yet there’s a sense of being very definitive. It’s a little sexy, not very bossy; it helps me embody someone who knows what she wants,” she shares, and continues, “My style is never wishy-washy or confused. I’m very clear about things.”
Arora, who has many dance numbers to her credit, calls herself “fortunate” that she has got a free hand to experiment while doing those sequences. “I always bring a little bit of my own touch, whether it’s in terms of hair, jewellery, or some other element,” she says, confessing that there have been times she has even committed blunders, “but that’s a part and parcel of experimenting and growing up.”
The 48-year-old adds, “There’s this term ‘age appropriate’, and everybody is subjected to it at some point. But, at the end of the day, you have to learn to be comfortable in your skin and be aware of what looks good on your body and what doesn’t. So, I am aware of the parts that I’m not comfortable with, and I wear clothes which will hide them.”
That being said, Arora has been through her fair share of trolling for her choices. Unperturbed by the noise, she quips, “If you see my entire trajectory, I’ve made a career out of being criticized and trolled for my choices, for the person I am, what I wear, for everything. So, I’m very immune to it.”
Talking about the nasty comments on her social media, she adds, “I will engage with them (trolls) when I feel they need to be addressed. I don’t need to justify anything to anyone.”
Abhishek Bachchan, Varun Dhawan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Malaika Arora to feature in the song Bhumi Namaskar
11:09 PM
Abhishek, Varun, Malaika and Sobhita join forces for special music video created to mark World Environment Day
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 30, 2024)
Nature conservation is a cause that many Bollywood stars champion. With World Environment Day around the corner, many actors have joined forces to spread the good word. This year, Abhishek Bachchan will lead the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Bhamla Foundation’s World Environment Day campaign, the theme of which is Bhumi Namaskar. Bachchan will front the music video that also stars Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff, Sobhita Dhulipala, Malaika Arora and has been helmed by R Balki.
Asif Bhamla, the mind behind the initiative, says Gulzar and Javed Akhtar were among the first to hear the song and praise it. “Bhumi namaskar is about expressing gratitude to Mother Earth that keeps giving us so much, and we selfishly keep destroying it,” he shares.
The song is written by Prasoon Joshi, composed by Aman Pant and sung by Shreya Ghoshal, Sheykhar Ravjiani, and others.
While a cyclathon will be held on June 5 at Carter Road in Bandra to mark World Environment Day, an event has been lined up at the Carter Road amphitheatre for June 8. Bhamla is pleased that Bachchan agreed to be part of the venture.
“Mr Balki told me that bringing Abhishek on board wouldn’t be easy as he is shy. He is known to refuse ads worth crores. When we explained to him that he’d be giving back to Mother Earth through this, Abhishek agreed.”
Bachchan says he wants to do his bit for a greener planet. “I’m happy to be a part of this global campaign. Plus, Balki has curated this, whom I have immense respect for,” he says.
While Shroff is proud that the next generation is environmentally conscious, Arora says, “Healthy soil is essential for life on earth. Plants can survive without humans, but humans cannot without plants. This is a reminder [that we can] make a difference together.”
What I want as a mom is always to be a friend to Arhaan first-Malaika Arora
9:52 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 11, 2024)
Malaika Arora has always been a hands-on mom, her bond with her son Arhaan is such that they can openly share their thoughts and talk about anything under the sun. Malaika believes that encouraging free dialogue helps create a safe environment for a child. The exchange of views and banter that the two shared on Arhaan’s podcast recently, gave us a glimpse of the relationship this maa-beta has.
“The bond that a mother shares with her child is the most precious one. Every mother and her child have a different bond. While some mothers are like friends and advisors, there are a few moms who are just too strict with their children. What I want as a mom is always to be a friend to him first. It’s nicer that way because he can always confide in me,” she says.
Malaika says that their equation is such that her friends enjoy seeing the two of them together at home. “When my friends come home to hang out, they say, 'Watching Arhaan and you together is like watching a comedy show'. We are mostly cracking jokes and pulling each other’s leg. My friends tell me they would buy tickets to come and watch this comedy show,” shares Malaika.
Malaika strongly believes that parents should encourage kids to open up and share their feelings fearlessly, so that they can build a stronger bond of friendship.
She explains, “Open dialogue with your kids is very important to know what is going on in their life. We need to create a safe space for them to come and tell you whatever it may be; at the same time, you should never push them to open up if they are not ready. You should have that safe space where they can come up to you and share just about anything. I think it is important in this day and age to know what is going on in your kids’ life because they are exposed to so much that I would rather know than be in the dark.”
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