IN HER PRIME - MALAIKA ARORA

SINCE THE 1990S, SHE HAS MADE WAVES WITH HER DIVERSE AND IMPRESSIVE TALENTS. TODAY, MALAIKA HAS DONE IT ALL. AT HER HEALTHIEST, HAPPIEST AND MOST ENERGETIC, SHE ISN'T READY TO HANG UP HER SHOES ANYTIME SOON. IN A CHAT WITH HELLO!, THE BOMBSHELL ACTRESS AND ENTREPRENEUR OPENS UP ABOUT MOTHERHOOD, RIDE-OR-DIE FRIENDSHIPS, AND WHY SHE'LL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR LOVE

- JEENA J BILLIMORIA

Back in 1998, a relatively new face in the industry exploded onto the silver screen. Dancing exquisitely on top of a moving train to the now iconic and electrifying pop folk hit, ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ opposite Shah Rukh Khan, was the sultry Malaika Arora. It was a cameo in the music video for the blockbuster, Dil Se… but her performance bewitched every single movie goer that day. And in that singular moment, Malaika was immortalised.

If at the time, the concept of ‘breaking the internet’ had existed, that’s exactly what Malaika would’ve done. It propelled her into the limelight overnight, and that’s where she has steadfastly resided, witnessing a fair share of fame and success — whether through her modelling stints, dance performances, her VJ and TV show hosting skills or as a judge on talent shows like Nach Baliye, Zara Nachke Dikha, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and India’s Got Talent. “I’ve always been a hustler,” says the bombshell, “that won’t change; it will be like that till my dying day.”

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

The Malaika we see today is happy, confident, thriving and unapologetic. “I’m a lot more comfortable, at ease and at peace with myself now. I’m not someone who’s anxious; I’ve become calmer and more secure with myself… and more understanding of my surroundings. Earlier, I was a bit more of a pain to the people around me, my near and dear ones (laughs), but no longer,” she has no qualms in admitting.