'I now see age as badge of honor...': Malaika Aroras shuts down trolls claiming she’s 52, confirms she turned 50 this year

Malaika Arora, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday, has given a powerful response to trolls who claimed she was 52. She also opened up about embracing aging, breaking stereotypes in the industry.In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Malaika said, "I think every woman in our industry has felt the pressure of a supposed shelf life, especially with dance or glamorous role. When I was younger, I was worried about how long I could keep doing this. But today, my perspective is entirely different. With time, I've realised that talent, charisma, and presence cannot simply be put on a timer."Elaborating further, she added, "Women are rewriting the rules and creating space for themselves well beyond what was ever expected. Growing older has shown me that you have to own your narrative... you can't let anyone dictate your limits. I now see age as a badge of honour - it means wisdom, resilience, and confidence."Malaika said these special songs have evolved a lot since she began her career. “Earlier, they were mostly about glamour and spectacle, often detached from a woman’s individuality. Today, filmmakers are more conscious… they integrate these numbers into stories with stronger character context. It’s less about being provocative and more about performance and presence. I see it as an evolution where women can own their space," Malaika said.She acknowledged that ‘item songs’ have often been associated with the male gaze but said she views them differently. “Yes, item songs have often been linked to the male gaze, but I’ve always looked at them differently,” she said, adding, “For me, dance is about confidence and expression. When I perform, I focus on enjoying the moment and bringing my own energy to it. As long as I feel comfortable and in control, that’s what matters most. It’s about celebrating the art and having fun with it rather than overthinking the labels.”