Malaika Arora Opened Up About Struggles Of Being Raised By A Single Mother, 'Mujhe Kaam Nahi..'

Malaika Arora has often been in the spotlight, not just for her appearance and films, but also for her confidence and grace. In recent years, her personal life has made quite some headlines and this time, it's no different. Recently, Malaika Arora shared the struggles of being brought up by a single mother. 

Malaika Arora opens up about her childhood

Recently, Malaika Arora sat down for a candid conversation with Pinkvilla, where she spoke about her childhood. Malaika shared that since her childhood she was extra-responsible, as her parents got divorced when she was only 11 years old. Malaika mentioned that her mother, Joyce Polycarp faced financial instability and at times she even sold her personal belongings to pay the school fees of her children. 

Malaika also added that, seeing her mother's hardships, she became responsible and realised that she needs to start working from a young age. She explained that she had become responsible for taking care of her younger sister, Amrita Arora. In her words:

"Because of my mom working, it made me extra responsible. At a very young age, I felt I was in a situation where I had to be responsible. I became the person who was taking care of my sister (Amrita Arora), and I became responsible way before my time."

Malaika Arora didn’t have the liberty to not work

During the same interview, Malaika Arora shared that despite facing hardships and financial issues, her mother, Joyce Polycarp, never refused her children from having anything. She did everything on her own to give her children whatever that she could. Malaika recalled:

"Never said you can't have this. She did it all on her own. She worked, brought us up, put us through school, college, everything."

Malaika Arora also mentioned that, while growing up she did not have the option to not work. She felt responsible towards a lot of things, especially after seeing her mother struggle so much. She explained:

"I can't put my feet up and say 'Arre mujhe kaam nahi karna. That liberty toh hai hi nahi."

More about Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora started her career as a VJ on MTV and hosted shows like Love Line and Style Check. She later moved towards music videos and became a worldwide sensation with Chaiyya Chaiyya, alongside Shah Rukh Khan. During the same period, she did films like Kaante and EMI, but she always grabbed attention for appearances in songs like Munni Badnaam Hui, Anarkali Disco Chali, Hoth Rasiley and more. In the past few years, she has also appeared as a judge on reality shows like, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s Got Talent and India’s Next Top Model.

In her personal life, Malaika married actor-producer, Arbaaz Khan, and in 2002, the couple welcomed their son, Arhaan. After spending several beautiful years together, they announced their separation in 2016, and finalised their divorce in 2017. Despite their divorce, the duo continued to co-parent their child. Later, Malaika was in a relationship with actor, Arjun Kapoor, but parted ways in 2024. Even though, it is not confirmed, in 2025, the couple sparked reunion rumours through an interaction on social media. 

What are your thoughts on the revelations made by Malaika Arora? Let us know. 

Next Read: Malaika Arora On Getting Married Again After Divorce From Arbaaz Khan? Says, 'Itni Jaldi Shaadi...'

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