It was in 2016 when Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan had taken the most difficult decision of their lives and had parted ways. After holding on to their relationship for 18 years, Malaika and Arbaaz had decided to walk out of a marriage that was making them unhappy. Post their separation, Malaika found love again in Arjun Kapoor, while Arbaaz moved on and entered into a relationship with an Italian model, Giorgia Andriani. (Also Read: Madhurima Tuli's Mom Revealed Why She Feels Daughter And Ex, Vishal Were Evicted From Nach Baliye)
Two years later, Malaika Arora had removed the surname ‘Khan’ from her name, which gave fuel to the speculations of her marriage with Arjun Kapoor. But both Malaika and Arjun have refuted the conjectures of their marriage. Even after her divorce with Arbaaz Khan, Malaika shares a warm camaraderie with the Khan family, including her ex-hubby and similarly, Arbaaz too, is in good terms with the Arora clan.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora came together and discussed the relationship they share, the former’s decision to separate from ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, the family's reaction to the couple's decision and the bond they share with their son, Arhaan Khan. Speaking about the time when Malaika and Arbaaz were thinking about their separation, Amrita said, "Of course, we did try and talk to them. But at the end of it, they were two consulting adults and they deserved their space."
Elaborating on the camaraderie she and Malaika Arora share with Arbaaz Khan, Amrita Arora stated, "I don't understand why it should change?" Malaika continued, "Relationships aren't built overnight, they are built over time. They are very, very special and personal to everybody. You can't just snap ties. It (Arbaaz's bond with Amrita) is independent of whatever may have transpired between two adults. That's independent and they continue to have it. I think my parents have always said it. My sister has maintained it, my brother-in-law has maintained. Arbaaz is not somebody who they know. He's like a son to them, he's family. At the end of the day, he's my child's father you know. So certain things can never ever be neglected or overlooked and I think that's how it should be." (Also Read: Aayush Sharma Indirectly Confirms Wife, Arpita Khan Sharma's Pregnancy, Posts A Cryptic Comment)
On Kareena Kapoor Khan’s radio talk show, What Women Want, Malaika Arora had spoken candidly about how her family had supported her through the divorce and how she believes that a child should grow in a happy environment. Speaking about how their ‘unhappy’ relationship impacted everyone around them, Malaika had stated, “We were just two people in a situation where we were making each other extremely unhappy, which was impacting everyone else’s life around us.” Revealing how her son, Arhaan had reacted on his parents’ divorce, Malaika had said that with time he has become far more accepting and flourishing. And he can also see the difference in his parents how happy they both look now. Malaika had recalled how her son, Arhaan had told her once, "Mom, you look happy", a few months after their divorce.
In a joint statement issued to the DNA in 2016, Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan had announced their separation. They had informed, “We have maintained a dignified silence till now but it is causing us too much confusion and is disturbing for our families. To put all of the speculation to rest, we are giving out this statement. People claiming to be our friends and sources have been speaking on our behalf giving out wrong, malicious information. They have maligned us for long and we have kept quiet and not said a word as it’s a personal matter between us. We have got a child and our families are involved, but just because we have not said anything till now, it doesn’t give anybody the license to speculate on any rubbish about us.”
The note could be further read as “We know that there will be speculation, but it is disturbing to read that Malaika has approached a random divorce lawyer she doesn’t know at all. Nor has this lawyer got in touch with us ever. Whoever this person is, can lose their licence as it’s irresponsible to talk about people who are not your clients. The truth is, we have taken a break, but that doesn’t mean people can presume, assume and speculate things of such malicious nature. We are taking out time to figure out our lives... Yes, it’s true that we are separated, but where our lives go and what transpires between us, it is for us to decide. Wherever it goes from here, we will talk about it when we are ready to.”
The note had concluded with, “We are not separated because of a third random person, like there were stories of a friendship between a businessman and Malaika. Nor was it about his family disapproving of her lifestyle, nor does she feel that her husband is not financially stable. She is not crying on her brother-in-law Salman’s shoulders, asking him to help. They are our family, so please don’t talk about them like that. We deeply respect each other’s families. We want to put to rest all these articles which are complete rubbish. Till then, please respect our privacy and do not drag our respective families and our child into it. Everything that has been carried till now is completely baseless.. Everyone is taking our silence as a sign of weakness. When we are ready to talk, we will. It’s a tough and difficult time for us and we will appreciate it if you can please give us our space. We have and hold immense respect for each other and hold each other in the highest regard. Ultimately we will do what’s best for our child, us and our family. Please understand what we are going through. We urge the media not to speculate and kindly do not believe whoever your said sources are, unless you hear from the people concerned.” (Also Read: Aamir Khan's Daughter, Ira Khan Wishes Beau, Mishaal Kirpalani On Their Two Years Of Togetherness)
Malaika Arora is an inspiration to all the women out there! Don’t you agree?
