Actress opens up about parenting son Arhaan, life after divorce, and why self-care makes her a better mother
Bollywood star Malaika Arora has opened up about the challenges and responsibilities of co-parenting her 22-year-old son Arhaan with ex-husband Arbaaz Khan. In a recent conversation with Pinkvilla, the actress shared how her own upbringing shaped her parenting style, while also stressing the importance of balance, boundaries, and self-care.
Shaped by Her Own Childhood
Raised by her single mother Joyce Polycarp, Malaika revealed that she took on responsibilities early in life. “I became the person who was taking care of my sister (Amrita Arora). I became responsible way before my time,” she recalled. This experience, she says, has defined the way she parents her own son.
On Co-Parenting With Arbaaz
Malaika admitted that co-parenting hasn’t always been easy but believes communication and respect are key.
“Co-parenting has its challenges. It’s not the easiest thing on planet Earth. But after all these years, we have found a good balance,” she said.
She added that Arhaan, now an adult, has his own sense of clarity. “He knows what he has to speak to his mother and what he needs to address with his dad. The situation is clear, we have our boundaries.”
Above all, Malaika said she avoids burdening her son with her own struggles:
“Very often, subconsciously, we put our fears on our children. Kids should never know what their parents are going through. I will not let my child be affected by any of those things that happened in my life.”
A Cordial Bond With Arbaaz
Despite parting ways in 2017, Malaika and Arbaaz have maintained mutual respect and a cordial relationship. “Even though we chose separate lives, we maintained certain decorum for our child and our families. That’s a good example to show,” she explained.
Why Self-Care Matters
Malaika also spoke about prioritising her well-being, something she was once criticised for. “I was labelled selfish for putting myself first after my divorce. But I believe if I’m not happy and stable, I can’t be a good parent. Taking care of myself has made me better for my son.”
Now at 51, Malaika says she is in a “much happier place,” continuing to balance her career, motherhood, and personal life — while setting an example of strength and resilience.
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