Why we can’t get enough of Malaika Arora
It’s perfectly clear that Malaika Arora has stumbled upon some kind of genetic hack. Because even now, almost two decades after a famous train ride through the Nilgiris fast-tracked her to the big league, there’s no dulling her high-octane energy. It’s the first thing you notice about her, even before the sharp cheekbones or the exquisite cut of her chin.
She also likes to be in control (“It’s a herculean task to faze me”), which is why when you scroll through her Instagram feed you’ll mostly see images of a perfectly curated life. She’s either strutting down a street in New York, doing a perfect handstand on a sandy beach, holding a mind-numbingly long boat pose or defying gravity in an aerial yoga class. Her squats, as she herself will admit, are deeper than love. And now in her early 40s, she seems more luminous, and stronger, than ever before. Earlier this year, GQ flew her to Bali and chatted with her about her Bollywood streak, men and the paparazzi.
Do you just hate the “item girl” tag?
Initially, I found it derogatory, but I’ve learned to wrap my head around it. The media is so used to tagging and categorising everything – this one’s hot, this one’s sexy. She’s a plain Jane. Everything is typified. But now I think… It’s a good song, and it sets the ticket counters ringing.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.