Malaika Arora Speaks About Divorce, Co-parenting And Insecurities At India Today Conclave 2023

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On Day 2 of the India Today Conclave 2023, Malaika Arora said that she loves being called a "sex symbol". The actress also opened up about her insecurities, her relationship with Arjun Kapoor, and a lot more at the event.

Actress and model Malaika Arora spoke her heart out on an array of aspects of her life, ranging from insecurities, co-parenting, staying relevant in the industry for over 25 years, and finding love after getting divorced, at the India Today Conclave Day 2, held in New Delhi on March 18.

The diva, who has time and again shattered many stereotypes, said that she loves being called a "sex symbol" during the session titled 'Bursting Bubbles: On love, sex, ageism and topping the body-beautiful conversation for 25 years' moderated by Nabila Jamal.

"I love being called a sex symbol. I have no qualms about being a sex symbol. I would rather be known as a sex symbol than being called Plain Jane. I am very happy and I like that tag (sex symbol)," Malaika said.

The diva, who is known for her dance numbers such as Munni Badnaam Hui and Chaiyya Chaiyya, also said that she is way more than a few songs. During her session at the India Today Conclave, Malaika also shared that co-parenting is very tough while adding that she and her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan are "better human beings" now.

'I AM MORE THAN JUST A FEW SONGS'

While talking about staying relevant in the industry for over 30 years, Malaika said that it has been amazing but not easy. She added that one cannot achieve that by only harboring good looks.

"I am more than just a few songs, a few item songs. I am a lot more than that. Initially, that's all one was looked at as - 'she is a pretty face, has a great body, she looks fantastic on screen when she dances, moves well', but I think staying relevant for over 30 years is not easy. And you cannot just do that, harboring good looks. At some point, those looks are going to fade away and you have to move beyond that look," Malaika said.

"I am very happy and proud to say that I am part of a business where I am not a quintessential actress, but I am still a part of the industry and get the love and all the respect that any actress in the industry does," Malaika added.

ON HER INSECURITIES
Malaika also opened up about her insecurities and said that she lives with them every single day. "I live with insecurities every day of my life. Because, at some time, I know there is somebody younger, prettier, more talented, and probably a lot more going for her every single day of my life. And, for me to stay focused or stay in a space, where I behave in a way it doesn't get to me, is a very difficult thing," she said.

"But I have to keep my head above the water because I know every single day that is probably shoved into my face. And, you know, 'single mother'. 'divorced', I am not going to hop in but it is thrown at my face every single day. So, for me, staying above the game is very tough. These are probably the insecurities I have to deal with on a daily basis.

While addressing a question about Arjun Kapoor, Malaika said that both of them are "loving life" and enjoying their "pre-honeymoon phase". "Marriage is something that is discussed between two people and at this moment, we are just loving life. We are enjoying our pre-honeymoon phase," Malaika said.

Image source: India Today Conclave 2023