Malaika Arora says it is 'empowering' doing item songs in 50s, slams trolls: 'Why should I be apologetic?'

Malaika Arora talks about trolls she faes at 50

• Malaika Arora says dancing in item numbers at 50 feels empowering
• She faced trolling but remains unapologetic about her dance image
• Malaika recently authored a health book and judged India's Got Talent Season 11

Did our AI summary help?

Actress Malaika Arora continues to wow audiences with her stirring dance moves in Thamma alongside Honey Singh. While she received praise for her flawless moves, she also trolled for doing an item number in her 50s.

Following the backlash, Malaika has talked about feeling empowered while doing item numbers at this point in her life. The actress admitted that she sees no reason not to own this ‘image’ of hers.

During a recent interview with The Namrata Zakaria Show on YouTube, Malaika said, “Why not? Why do I need to tone it down or be apologetic about it? I mean, you get trolled for things and many people say different things—but I don’t understand what the big deal is. Dance is an expression, enjoyed in its true glory and its true form. I feel truly blessed that I am able to do all this at 50; I must be doing something right.”

“It is very, very empowering. It makes me feel amazing. As I have said before, if women out there take it as an example or view it as something empowering—something that makes them feel good—then it’s a job well done,” added the actress.

Malaika has contributed to several of Bollywood's most famous item songs, including Chaiyya Chaiyya, Munni Badnaam, and Anarkali Disco Chali. She costarred with Rashmika Mandanna in the dance performance Poison Baby from Maddock Films' Thamma in 2025.

Also Read: Salman Khan makes dapper appearance at Nupur Sanon–Stebin Ben’s reception in Mumbai

The internet users slammed Malaika, with some of them claiming that she had stolen the limelight from Rashmika in the song. She later made an appearance in the Chillgum music video, when her audacious actions drew condemnation once more. Malaika, though, was unaffected by the teasing.

Apart from grabbing attention with her dance performances, Malaika recently authored a book on health and fitness titled It’s Easy To Be Healthy. She was most recently seen as a judge on India’s Got Talent Season 11 alongside Navjot Singh Sidhu and Shaan. Hosted by Haarsh Limbachiyaa, the show concluded on January 4, 2026.