‘I Felt Empowered’: Malaika Arora on Item Songs

For over two decades, Malaika Arora has remained in the limelight of the Indian entertainment industry. Being a skilled dancer and fitness freak, she lives in the heart of both public admiration and curiosity. In a recent candid interview, the 52 year old actor decided to address the long-standing stereotypes regarding her career. The discussion was focused on her ‘item songs’ and how she tackles the immense trolling, a common thing for a woman in the spotlight.

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Rather than shying away from the “item girl” label—a word often used negatively in Bollywood—Malaika embraced it. She described how these performances are not just on camera shoot for her but are moments of personal strength and professional pride.

Reclaiming the Narrative

The phrase ‘item song’ has provoked a somewhat negative meaning. According to old stereotypes, the performer is a fancy part in a movie. For Malaika, it’s different. Recalling popular music tracks like ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ and ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya,’ she called these valuable opportunities where she could showcase her talent on a grand scale.

“People used the term to pigeonhole me,” she said during the interview.

“But for me, those songs were empowering. I was a woman who owned her space, her body, and her performance.”

She clarified that no one treated her like an object on set. In fact, she felt like a performer who was important to the movie’s success and cultural buzz. To her, being the face of a chartbuster conveyed a status of power.

Dealing with the Noise

Being 52 in an industry that obsesses over youth is not easy. On social media, Malaika often becomes the target of ageist comments and fashion policing. Whether it’s her gym outfits or red-carpet appearances, the “troll army” rarely forgets to take a day off.

She is human and words can sometimes sting, but her skin has evolved thick. Malaike even pointed out the irony of people telling her how to dress or behave “at her age.” As Malaika said, age should not be a barrier. She believes that if a person feels good and looks good, there is no need to change their lifestyle to match the expectations of strangers on the internet.

“I’ve reached a point where I don’t seek validation,” she said.

This mindset has helped her deal with the toxic side of fame. When it comes to giving attention or priority, Malaika chooses her health, her personal happiness, and her business ventures rather than the comment section of her Instagram posts.

A Message to Other Women

One of the most striking parts of the report was her message to other women facing similar societal pressures. Malaika wants women to stop apologizing for their choices. Whether it’s choosing a certain career path or wearing what they want in their 50s, she advocates for unapologetic living.

She noted that the industry is slowly changing. There are more roles for older women now, and the “shelf life” of an actress is extending. However, the mindset of the general public still has a long way to go. By standing her ground and continuing to live her life on her own terms, Malaika hopes to break the stereotypes that limit women as they age.

Looking Ahead

As she moves forward, Malaika shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to appear on reality shows as a judge, where she often mentors younger talent. Her perspective on “item songs” serves as a reminder that the person behind the performance often has a much deeper connection to the work than the audience realizes.

In a world that constantly tries to tell women when their time is up, Malaika Arora is proving that life at 52 can be just as vibrant, successful, and “empowered” as it was at 22.