When you think of Malaika Arora, what comes to your mind? Fashionista, super fit, beautiful, a great dancer, an entrepreneur? Or probably all of them because she indeed wears many hats. In Calcutta for a Holi event recently, Malaika chatted with The Telegraph on Holi, life, fashion, paparazzi and fitness. Excerpts
This is the first time you attended Holi in Calcutta.
Please tell us about your most fave Holi memory. Memories with my mom, dad and sister during Holi as kids are my most memorable ones.
What does the festival mean to you?
It’s the festival of colours, of getting rid of bad memories and starting afresh with new colourful and joyous ones. And this time, it coincided with Women’s Day, making it all the more special.
Talking about women, your mom recently turned 70! Tell us how she has shaped your life. Who is the most influential woman in your life?
Whatever I am today is because of my mother and her undying support and belief in me. She’s stood by me like a rock throughout my life. Her turning 70 was a huge milestone in not just her but all of our lives as well. That’s 70 years of unconditional love! I feel extremely lucky. And, of course, she is the most influential woman in my life. She’s influenced us to be fiercely independent and to stay rooted in life no matter what you achieve or not achieve in life.
You have always stood out in whatever you did — anchoring, item songs right from Chaiyya chaiyya to Munni badnam hui and many more… to being a fashion icon! What’s your mantra for success?
I do whatever I do with complete dedication. I never looked at any job or project as a downgrade or an upgrade. I feel extremely honoured to have achieved the milestones I managed to achieve in whatever I did. Dedication and hunger to work and learn are all you need in life... no matter which field.
An adorable picture of Malaika with her mom Joyce
How do you stay relevant in today’s time and age?
The main idea is to respect the change that comes with time. You need to surrender to the new change, new time, new age and you will learn new things and find yourself doing relevant things. There is no place for any prejudice or preconceived notions in my life.
You are a doting mom of Arhaan who is 20! What is the best thing about motherhood to you?
To see your child grow into this able and kind man is the best thing about being a mom. To see your child’s journey is a pleasure and I am glad that I am getting to experience it.
You have always been a fashionista! Tell us what Malaika’s ultimate style is?
Keep it simple and effortless. I feel being effortlessly stylish is the ultimate trend of all time.
Is there a fashion or beauty trend you are presently crushing on?
Sun-kissed cheeks is my forever beauty trend crush.
What are the five fashion things we will always find in your travel bag?
Sunglasses, a good pair of stylish shoes, cheek and lip tint, perfume and a statement ring.
Your walks with your furball Casper is all over Instagram. While we love seeing you taking Casper for walk, do you feel comfortable being caught on camera always?
As long as they are not being intrusive of my privacy, I am extremely comfortable with paps around me. They are just doing their job.
FAMILY ALBUM:
Malaika with her pet dog Casper
This could be a tough one… back in the MTV days when social media and paparazzi didn’t exist VS this time and age, when a celeb and public figure can share moments from their lives… what would you choose and why?
Well, of course, the old days had their own charm when there was a certain amount of secrecy maintained around a celebrity, but moving on with time is the greatest lesson one can learn. So while I loved those days back then, I am also very happy with the social media life as well.
Lastly, you are a fitness icon for countless people. For anyone who wants to lose weight postpartam or otherwise, what is your key advice to them?
I think the first and foremost advice will be to take it easy. Do not rush and stress your body to lose weight immediately. Give it the rest that it requires after the miracle that it has performed of giving life to a being. Post the required rest, get into the habit of doing yoga every day for at least an hour. Start with relaxing asanas and then gradually get into intense ones. You can then move on to your regular workout that you prefer and what works for your body.
RAPID QUESTIONS:
Fave holiday destination: Maldives
Fave perfume: Chanel
Presently binging on: You on Netflix
If you, Amrita (Arora), Bebo (Kareena Kapoor Khan) and Lolo (Karisma Kapoor) were to be cast in a show together, which show would it be: It will be a standalone show of its own and nothing like anything you have seen before
Your guilty pleasure: Eating biryani and watching my fave show
A latent talent of yours, which no one knows: I can play a musical instrument
Calcutta is: Culture, love and amazing people
