Malaika Arora on relationship with ex bf Arjun Kapoor, "He is still integral, My mother asks..."

Malaika Arora has never been a stranger to public attention. From her fitness routines to her fashion choices and personal life, the actor and dancer often finds herself at the centre of online chatter. In a recent interview on The Namrata Zakaria Show, Malaika opened up about how constant scrutiny, relationship rumours, and headline-making link-ups have shaped her outlook on life today. Calm, candid, and clear-headed, she spoke about choosing peace over noise and happiness over headlines.

A bond that still matters

Malaika and Arjun Kapoor were together for six years and remained open about their relationship. Even after calling it quits in 2024, the two have continued to share a warm and respectful bond. Addressing her equation with Arjun, Malaika made it clear that the connection has not vanished with the breakup.

“It’s not different. But, irrespective, whatever may be, I think he is somebody who is so very important to me and someone who is such an integral part of my life,” she said, adding that she no longer wants to dwell on the past or speculate about the future. She also pointed out how her personal life has often turned into “a media feeding ground,” something she has consciously stepped back from engaging with.

“It’s not different. But, irrespective of whatever may be, I think he is somebody who is so very important to me and someone who is such an integral part of my life."

- Malaika Arora

When every outing becomes a headline

In recent months, Malaika has been linked to different men after being spotted at concerts and airports. The rumours, however, don’t bother her anymore. Instead, she chooses to laugh them off. Speaking about how every public appearance turns into gossip fodder, she shared, “Trust me, every time I have stepped out, even if it’s a longtime friend, a gay friend, a married friend, an old friend, a manager or anybody, I am immediately linked to that person.”

The situation has reached a point where even her family finds humour in it. Malaika revealed that her mother often calls her jokingly to ask, “Who is this now, baby?” For her, the constant speculation has become more amusing than upsetting.

Choosing happiness over headlines

Malaika also reflected on how her relationships have consistently overshadowed other aspects of her life. She admitted that there was a time when the attention became overwhelming. “My life is much more than just my personal life,” she said, explaining how things that don’t create noise are often ignored.

Today, she feels settled and self-assured. “I am at that stage of life now, where I don’t need to prove anything, but I need to do things that make me happy,” Malaika shared. With clarity and confidence, she seems focused on living life on her own terms, letting the rumours pass by while she moves forward with grace.