Malaika Arora On How She Protects Her Joy Amid Public Scrutiny: 'Internet Is Loud, But Not Always Wise'

Malaika Arora has been under constant scrutiny since the start of her career. Apart from her professional choices, she also frequently makes headlines for her personal life, especially her romantic relationships. Recently, Malaika shared that she has learnt how to protect her inner joy. She also reflected on the things that spark joy for her.

“I protect it (her inner joy) by remembering that the internet is loud, but it is not always wise. There’s a difference. Over the years, I’ve realised that if you keep handing your peace over to public opinion, you’ll never feel settled within yourself,” Malaika Arora told Hindustan Times.

“I’ve learned to create boundaries. I don’t consume everything that’s said about me. I don’t internalise every opinion.

I lean on real life, my work, my loved ones, my routines, the things that actually nourish me. That’s what keeps me grounded,” she added.

Malaika said, “And honestly, with age comes perspective. You stop reacting to every passing noise. You understand that criticism often says more about the person throwing it than the person receiving it. My joy today comes from being anchored in who I am… It’s personal, it’s protected, and it’s not up for public debate.”

“I think the thing I’m most joyful about today is my ease with myself. Earlier, like many women, I think I spent a lot of time wondering if I was being too much, too outspoken, too visible, too ambitious, too glamorous, too independent,” she shared.

“With time, you realise that the very things people want to shrink in you are often your strengths. Today, I genuinely enjoy being who I am without apologising for it. At this stage of my life, joy comes from not constantly editing yourself to make other people comfortable. I’ve earned that comfort in my own skin,” she concluded.