Malaika Arora has spent decades in the spotlight, but she still knows how to turn public chatter into ownership. In a new conversation on the show Not Done Yet, she spoke about age, reinvention, motherhood, female friendships, fitness, food and public opinion. She also addressed the much-discussed “duck walk” comments and said the best way to deal with noise is to laugh at yourself and move on.
Malaika Arora on ‘duck walk’ comments
Speaking on Not Done Yet by Times Entertainment, Arora said she has built “a fantastic exterior” over the years. “It’s my own bulletproof thing going on,” she said, adding that criticism has affected her at times. She admitted that she has “had a good cry” and felt irritated too, but said experience helped her cut out things that do not help her “vibe” or “energy.”When the host brought up how Malaika handled the “duck walk” chatter, she said, “Own it. Own it. Own it.” She added, “I think just laugh about things. And I think that’s the most, that’s the best thing if you can actually laugh at yourself.”Malaika said people often expect her to be more affected by comments. “It should bother her more, but it doesn’t,” she said, explaining that this response leaves people confused and also helps everyone move on.
Malaika Arora on female friendships and Kareena Kapoor
Malaika also spoke about the women in her life and said female energy keeps her grounded. “I’m surrounded by female energy and all of it at all times,” she said. “Whether it’s my immediate work team, it’s all women, literally at home. It’s an entire female workforce.”She then added, “I think men are literally the minority in my life at this point.” Malaika said she derives a lot of energy from women around her. “Women should support women. Women should uplift each other,” she said.During a fun segment, Malaika described her close friends as cartoon characters. She said Kareena Kapoor would be “probably Minnie Mouse” because “she’s got that vibe.” For Karisma Kapoor, she picked Betty Boop. For Amrita Arora, she said, “Daffy Duck.”The conversation also touched on her personal turning point. Malaika said becoming a single mother changed her. “Being a single mom, I think that was, you know, a bit of a turning point,” she said. She added that choosing herself was her “most freeing decision.”Malaika also reflected on her identity beyond one image. On being known as the “Chaiya Chaiya girl,” she said, “I will always be known as the Chaiya Chaiya girl. It’s something that I’m really proud of.”She spoke about fitness and authenticity too. “I feel when I’m the most authentic me is when I’m on my yoga mat,” she said. For Malaika, the idea of Not Done Yet matches how she lives. “I’m just about started,” she said, making it clear that she still wants to take on new challenges.
Malaika Arora on the work front
Malaika continues to balance television, fitness, fashion and her growing restaurant business. She recently appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 4 with Ravi Kishan and Orry. She also returned to the screen with the dance number “Poison Baby” in the film ‘Thama’.Malaika has also been expanding her presence in the food space. After Scarlett House in Bandra and Juhu, she launched Sweeney in Khar with restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi. The all-day restaurant opened in 2026 and reflects her interest in food, hosting and design.
