Malaika Arora is an Indian actress, model, television personality, dancer, producer, and entrepreneur. She is widely recognized for her performances in iconic Bollywood songs such as “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” “Munni Badnaam Hui,” and “Anarkali Disco Chali.”
Beyond acting, she has established herself as one of India’s most influential television judges and fitness entrepreneurs.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Malaika Arora
- Stage Name: Malaika Arora
- Born: October 23, 1973
- Age: 52 years old
- Birthplace: Thane, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Ethnicity: Punjabi and Malayali
- Occupation: Actress, Model, Television Personality, Dancer, Producer, Entrepreneur
- Height: 1.61 m (5 ft 3 in)
- Religion: Hinduism
- Parents: Anil Arora and Joyce Polycarp
- Siblings: Amrita Arora
- Spouse: Arbaaz Khan (m. 1998; div. 2017)
- Children: Arhaan Khan
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $15 million USD
Early Life and Education
Malaika Arora was born on October 23, 1973, in Thane, Maharashtra, and spent her early years in Mumbai after her family relocated there.
She is the daughter of Anil Arora, a Punjabi who served in the Indian Merchant Navy, and Joyce Polycarp, a Malayali Christian.
Following her parents’ separation, she and her younger sister, Amrita Arora, were primarily raised by their mother.
She attended Swami Vivekanand School in Chembur before continuing her studies at Jai Hind College, although she left college to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. She practices Hinduism.
Career
Malaika Arora began her career as a video jockey (VJ) with MTV India, where her charismatic on-screen presence quickly made her one of the channel’s most recognizable faces.
She later transitioned into modelling and television hosting, appearing in numerous commercials, fashion campaigns, and entertainment programs.
Her breakthrough in Bollywood came in 1998 with the chart-topping song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from Dil Se.., in which she performed alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The performance became one of the most celebrated dance numbers in Indian cinema.
She went on to deliver several other iconic special appearances, including “Munni Badnaam Hui” from Dabangg and “Anarkali Disco Chali” from Housefull 2.
Apart from her work as a performer, Arora has served as a judge on popular reality shows such as India’s Got Talent, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s Best Dancer, and Zara Nachke Dikha.
Malaika has also ventured into business, co-founding wellness and lifestyle brands while promoting health and fitness through her digital platforms.
Awards and Nominations
- Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards (2011) – Best Item Number for “Munni Badnaam Hui” – Winner.
- Zee Cine Awards – Multiple nominations for dance performances.
- Honoured for her contributions to Indian entertainment, fashion, and television.
Social Media
- Instagram: @malaikaaroraofficial
- Facebook: Malaika Arora
- X (formerly Twitter): @MalaikaArora
Personal Life
Malaika Arora, 52, married actor and producer Arbaaz Khan in 1998, and the couple welcomed their son, Arhaan Khan, before ending their marriage in 2017.
She was later in a long-term relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor, and reports indicated the relationship ended in 2024.
Arora is passionate about yoga, fitness, fashion, and entrepreneurship. She frequently advocates for healthy living and has invested in several wellness-related businesses.
Net Worth
Malaika Arora’s net worth is around $15 million USD. Her wealth is derived from a diverse range of ventures, including film appearances, television judging, modelling assignments, brand endorsements, stage performances, business investments, and entrepreneurial ventures in the fitness and lifestyle industries.
Filmography
- Dil Se..
- Kaante
- EMI
- Dabangg
- Housefull 2
- Dolly Ki Doli
- Television
- Nach Baliye
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
- India’s Best Dancer
- Moving In with Malaika