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‘WON’T TALK ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE’
Malaika Arora is reluctant to talk about Arjun Kapoor or marriage plans; says her son likes films and the process of making them
Malaika Arora is in a good space. On the personal front, she has moved on after her nearly twodecade long marriage to Arbaaz Khan ended, and is now rumoured to be seeing actor Arjun Kapoor. On the professional front, she is judging reality shows and has launched her fitness studio. A successful modelling career and acclaimed dance numbers in Bollywood blockbusters to her credit, Malaika tells us her life mantra is: “Live life queen size. Be honest and respectful, don’t live with any regrets.”
Reports suggest you will soon be tying the knot with Arjun Kapoor. True?
I never answer personal questions. Not that I shy away from answering or whatever. I just don’t feel comfortable talking about my personal life. And whatever my life has been, everyone is aware of it. I don’t need to be talking about it. I am just enjoying my life — it’s beautiful and precious.
You have many dance numbers in films to your credit, do you think they shouldn’t be termed as ‘item numbers’?
I’ve always said it. Honestly, it was coined by the media, not by the filmmakers . Why give it a label, why objectify women? I’ve done a lot of songs, not once did I feel uncomfortable or objectified on screen. Whatever songs I’ve done were out of my own free will. At the end of the day, people may perceive it differently. I can’t change all of that. But I can talk for myself. I love dancing. Dance is a wonderful form of expression, whether it’s a man performing or a woman. I don’t look at it that way – whether it’s an Indian dance, a traditional number or a sensuous number.
Should lyrics of some songs be reconsidered?
Maybe that can be done. Some of the lyrics can get a bit too much. But some of it, you’ve got to look at it from the spirit of the song. It can be a little naughty and tongue-in-cheek. If I find something cheap or vulgar, then I will voice my opinion. So, if someone is not comfortable with something — the lyric or a step — you should be clear about it. The minute you say it, people will know that you mean business and nobody will mess around with you.
Is your son Arhaan interested in acting?
He is very young. Not that he is not aware, he is born and brought up in a film family. He watches a lot of films and has shown interest. Right now he is in the phase where he is enjoying the process of filmmaking. It excites him purely because he is exposed to it. Only time will tell what he wants to do in the medium.
Was the fitness studio a natural extension for you?
Yes, it’s a natural progression of my personality. It’s an allwomen studio as we wanted to create an environment conducive for women.