Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan were one of the most talked-about couples in Bollywood. They tied the knot in 1998 and were married for nearly 18 years. For years, the two were seen as a glamorous and steady pair, making public appearances at events and family gatherings, while also balancing their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
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However, as time passed, cracks began to appear in their marriage. In 2016, the couple officially announced their separation, and their divorce was finalised in 2017. The two share a son, Arhaan, and while they have moved on with their separate lives, they continue to co-parent him.
Malaika Arora reflects on her broken marriage with Arbaaz Khan
During a conversation with Pinkvilla, Malaika Arora spoke about her idea of love, describing herself as “hopeless and loyal,” while also reflecting on her broken marriage and the judgment that came her way. “I would have loved for my marriage to be forever, but that didn’t happen. But that doesn’t mean I have lost faith in love, or that doesn’t mean what I have done is a huge mistake. It doesn’t mean I could have changed the course of my life, no! Things that have been meant to happen, happened,” she said.
She admitted that both she and Arbaaz had tried to work on their marriage but eventually accepted reality. “There were many situations where one tries to work on things to make sure something good comes out. But I think it came to a point where we decided that ye nahi chalne wala hai (This is not going to work),” she said.
Addressing the criticism she faced, Malaika Arora explained, “People think it’s wrong to put yourself first. ‘How can you put yourself first? You have to put your child, family first.’ What is wrong or harm about putting yourself first?”
She added that prioritising her own happiness was necessary at the time. “At that point, I needed to be happy before trying to work anything else out or making anybody else happy; I was not happy.”
Malaika Arora recalled being called selfish
Recalling how many labelled her decision “selfish,” Malaika Arora took a firm stand. “That may be selfish to you. I did what I felt. It is hard for people to understand how can you put yourself first. Yes, I did. That decision today has helped me to be a better person. I have become more at ease with myself, I’m in a happier space. Not just that, my kid is in a much better and happier space. I don’t think he would have wanted to be in a space where things are not conducive.”
Malaika shared that while she and Arbaaz went their separate ways, they kept their focus on their son and ensured respect between families. Speaking about co-parenting, she admitted, “It has its challenges for sure. It’s very important to find its balance. I cannot sit down here and say, it’s the easiest thing on planet earth. No, it is not. Every day through co-parenting, you have to navigate but after all these years, we have found a good balance.”
Malaika Arora concluded by noting that Arhaan, now 22, has grown into an understanding young man. “He knows what things he should talk to his mother and what things he can talk to his father. We have clear boundaries now.”
