Malaika Arora Says Men Who Divorce and Marry Women ‘Half Their Age’ Get Praise: ‘But a Woman Is Judged’

Malaika Arora, who has herself navigated a highly publicised marriage and divorce with actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, has spoken candidly about the scrutiny women face when they choose to move on in life. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, the actor-model highlighted the gendered double standards that continue to persist in society.

Malaika on Judgment and Stereotypes
During the discussion, Malaika said women are routinely judged for making independent choices, especially around relationships.

“You are constantly judged for being strong. We are going to have these judgments irrespective,” she said, adding that men have also played an important role in shaping who she is today.

“But in today’s day and age, a man living a certain life is considered great. A man decides to move on — get a divorce, marry someone half his age — and it’s like, ‘Wow, what a man!’ But when a woman does it, she is questioned. People say, ‘Why would she do something like that? Doesn’t she have sense?’ These constant stereotypes really need to be shut down.”

Her Personal Life in the Public Eye
Malaika Arora has long found her personal life under intense scrutiny — from her marriage to Arbaaz Khan to her later relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor.

Malaika and Arbaaz were married for nearly 20 years before separating and finalising their divorce in 2017. They share a son, Arhaan. Malaika began dating Arjun Kapoor in 2016, and although the couple kept their relationship mostly private, it was recently confirmed that they had parted ways after several years together.

Arbaaz, meanwhile, married makeup artist Sshura Khan in December 2023. The couple welcomed their daughter, Sipaara Khan, on October 5, 2025.