Malaika Arora, who celebrated her 50th birthday last month, says turning a year older has only strengthened her commitment to reinvention and confidence. Sharing a note of gratitude on her birthday, she wrote, “My heart is full… thank you for making my 50th truly special.”
In an industry where women often face age-related biases, Malaika continues to command screen presence with high-energy dance performances that rival those of much younger artists. Asked how she stays ahead, she says, “It’s about evolving with the times without losing your core. You have to keep learning, stay fit, reinvent your style, and most importantly, keep your passion alive. I never want to be complacent or stuck in a particular image.”
She hopes her journey inspires others to embrace individuality without fear. “If young performers, especially women, feel confident about choosing their own path because of something I did, that would be the greatest legacy.”
Although she experimented with acting, Malaika admits that dance is where she truly belongs. “Acting never gave me the same rush as performing a dance number. Dance feels like home. I believe in playing to my strengths, and for me, that has always been the magic of performance.”
Reflecting on her career, she acknowledges that the term “item number” once felt limiting. “Definitely, the label felt restrictive. But today, many artistes see these songs as a creative challenge. The focus is on performance, concept and narrative, not just glamour. There’s far more respect for the craft now.”