‘Chaiyan Chaiyan’ queen Malaika Arora and Sandeep Aur Pinky Farar actor Arjun Kapoor have been in a relationship for a few years now. But, the gorgeous couple have not had it easy, thanks to the unsolicited opinions trolls have had on their age difference, and about Malaika dating Arjun after her divorce with Arbaaz Khan.
Malaika had some strong words for those mocking their relationship
Image credit: Instagram.com/malaikaaroraofficial
The 48-year-old model, actress, and VJ recently spoke up about what she thinks of these opinions. Speaking to Hello Magazine about her relationship with 36-year-old Arjun, she said, “It’s very important for women to have a life after a breakup or a divorce… There’s a misogynist approach to female relationships. It’s often considered a sacrilege for a woman to date a younger man.” Prior to this, Malaika also spoke about normalising the idea of women finding love in their 40s.
Image credit: Instagram.com/malaikaaroraofficial
Earlier, speaking to HT Brunch, Malaika had also said, “Unfortunately, we live in a society that refuses to progress with time. An older man romancing a younger girl is hailed everywhere, but when the woman is older, she’s called ‘desperate’ and a ‘buddhi’. For people who think like this, I have just one line: Take a flying f***.”
Arjun has also been vocal against those trolling his relationship
Image credit: Instagram.com/arjunkapoor
Arjun also spoke about how difficult it is to deal with such trolling. He told Hindustan Times that they went through “hell” and experienced a lot of public disapproval initially after announcing their relationship. But, ultimately, they emerged stronger: “We stood by each other through this relationship, facing speculation, facing brickbats, facing chatter, unnecessary at times, because of social media toxicity. It was hell for us for many days. She had to face so much because of the fact that we came out in the open, but I admire her for giving me and our relationship so much dignity. We’re glad that we were the first of our kind where we showed age is not of any consequence when you love someone.”
Image credit: Instagram.com/arjunkapoor
Arjun also told Masala.com, “You can’t be so bothered about whose age is what,” adding, “I think it’s a silly thought process to look at age and contextualise a relationship.” Where’s the lie in that?
The double-standards are quite evident
Image credit: Instagram.com/aliaabhatt
Malaika is mocked for dating a man 12 years younger than her, but Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s 10-year age gap is “relationship goals.” Priyanka Chopra is criticized for marrying Nick Jonas, who is ten years younger than her, but the same age gap between Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor doesn’t bother anyone.
If someone truly had a problem with age differences in couples, why doesn’t it bother them when the man is older and the woman younger? Why are people fine with the idea of actresses being romanced by male leads 20 years older than them? Clearly, the problem is that older women and the expression of female desire by older women is taboo in our society, but when a man does it, it’s fine. Isn’t that messed up?
Lead image credit: Instagram.com/malaikaaroraofficial, Instagram.com/arjunkapoor
