Malaika Arora: Breaking Free from Ageism and Redefining the 'Item Number' in Bollywood
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As Malaika Arora celebrates her 50th birthday, she's still going strong in the competitive world of Bollywood. Despite ageism being a persistent issue for women in the industry, Malaika continues to deliver high-energy dance numbers that give younger performers a run for their money. So, what's her secret to staying relevant and evolving with the times? For Malaika, it's all about embracing change while staying true to her core. She believes in continually learning, staying fit, reinventing her style, and above all, keeping her passion alive. "I never want to be complacent or stuck in a particular image," she says. "Relevance also comes from being real." Her goal is to leave a lasting legacy that inspires young performers, especially women, to be fearless and confident in their choices. Malaika's journey in Bollywood has been marked by her incredible dance numbers, which have always given her a sense of belonging. "Dance feels like home to me," she confesses. While she did try her hand at acting, it was the dance numbers that truly brought her joy. She believes in playing to her strengths and is proud of the impact she's made in the industry. The term 'item number' was once seen as limiting, but Malaika sees it as a creative challenge today. "There's more respect for what goes into making these numbers," she says. With a focus on performance, concept, and narrative, the art of creating 'item numbers' has evolved significantly. As for exploring behind-the-scenes roles in cinema, Malaika remains open to the idea of directing or producing. "Never say never," she says, emphasizing her passion for every aspect of entertainment. On a personal level, Malaika has been unapologetic about her separation from ex-husband Arbaaz Khan and her journey of finding love again. Despite facing trolls and negativity, she's learned to focus on her truth and not let it affect her self-worth. "My family, friends, and my own peace of mind matter more," she says. For Malaika, love is about respect, happiness, and companionship. As she continues to thrive in the entertainment industry, she remains an inspiration to many, breaking free from ageism and redefining the 'item number' in Bollywood.
