Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 14: Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has said she feels “empowered” performing item songs in her 50s and sees no reason to apologise or tone down her image despite online trolling.

Speaking on The Namrata Zakaria Show on YouTube, Malaika addressed criticism over her recent dance numbers, including her performances in Thamma and a music video with rapper Honey Singh. She said she fully owns her image and believes dance is a powerful form of expression.

“Why not? Why do I need to tone it down or be apologetic about it? I don’t understand what the big deal is. Dance is an expression, enjoyed in its true glory. I feel truly blessed that I’m able to do all this at 50; I must be doing something right,” she said.

Calling the experience deeply fulfilling, Malaika added that performing item numbers makes her feel confident and positive. “It is very, very empowering. It makes me feel amazing. If women take it as something empowering or something that makes them feel good, then it’s a job well done,” she said.

Malaika has featured in several iconic Bollywood item songs over the years, including Chaiyya Chaiyya, Munni Badnaam Hui and Anarkali Disco Chali. In 2025, she appeared in the dance number Poison Baby from Maddock Films’ Thamma, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. The song sparked widespread discussion online, with many viewers saying Malaika stole the spotlight. She later featured in the music video Chillgum, which again drew mixed reactions on social media.

Unfazed by criticism, Malaika continues to stay active across films, fitness and television. She recently authored a health and fitness book titled It’s Easy To Be Healthy and was last seen as a judge on India’s Got Talent Season 11, alongside Navjot Singh Sidhu and Shaan. The show concluded earlier this month.