"People love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be."
For years, Malaika Arora has been branded as too bold, too outspoken, or simply too much.
These labels followed her throughout her Bollywood journey.
In the beginning, she admits she fought hard against the constant judgments, often trying to explain herself or justify her decisions to those who criticised her.
Now, Malaika says she embraces these very labels as her crown.
For her, the real transformation came the day she stopped explaining herself.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, she recalled how freeing it was to finally reject the need for approval and instead focus on her own truth.
“It was tough because people love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be.
“I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships – you name it.
“But the day I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free. My biggest takeaway? The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself,” Malaika shared.
The actress, previously married to Arbaaz Khan, with whom she shares a son, has often faced criticism for her personal and professional choices.
She said: “I’ve been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now.
“If I’m too much for someone, they’re probably not enough for me.”
Malaika, whose last public relationship was with actor Arjun Kapoor, has since channelled her energy into projects that reflect her journey of self-acceptance.
Her most recent collaboration is with cosmetics brand HYUE as the face of its new campaign, Own It, which she describes as deeply personal.
“Whether in fashion, fitness, or just the choices I’ve made, I’ve never followed a formula.”
“I’ve always believed that real confidence comes when you stop performing for the world and start living for yourself,” she said.
She added: “It felt like they were telling my story through beauty.
“I’ve had to fight labels, opinions, and expectations all my life. So Own It isn’t just a tagline to me – it’s my lived reality.”
Despite her strong persona, Malaika admits she isn’t immune to moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, which she has learned to navigate with patience.
“Self-doubt is human. It never really disappears. There are days when I question myself, just like anyone else.
“But over the years, I’ve learned to meet those moments with kindness rather than criticism,” she explained.
For Malaika Arora, confidence doesn’t mean never doubting herself, but continuing to move forward with grace and self-assurance despite those doubts.
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