Malaika Arora has responded to the backlash after she called out a young dancer for his gestures during a reality show performance. The actress, who was a guest judge on Hip Hop India Season 2, clarified that she didn’t intend to be harsh but felt the contestant’s expressions were excessive for his age.
Malaika Arora Explains Her Reaction on Hip Hop India 2
Malaika, known for her years in the entertainment industry as a dancer and TV judge, recently spoke to ANI about the incident. She stated that she wasn’t trying to shame the contestant, 16-year-old Naveen Shah, but simply wanted to point out that he was overdoing his expressions.
“Maybe that moment, I didn’t have any intention to scold him or tell him that what you’re doing is wrong. That wasn’t my intention. I was just going to say that you’re doing too much,” she said.
She emphasized that dance involves expressions, but some moves might be unnecessary. While she enjoys the fun and drama of dance performances, she felt the contestant’s gestures were inappropriate, given his age.
What Exactly Happened on the Show?
During the episode, Naveen performed an energetic hip-hop routine. While dancing, he winked and blew kisses towards Malaika, which made her visibly uncomfortable. She immediately addressed it, asking for his mother’s phone number.
“Aapki mummy ka phone number? 16 saal ka bacha hai, dance kar raha hai, seedha mujhe dekh kar. Aankh maar raha hai,” she remarked.
This led to a lighthearted moment where judge Remo D’Souza brought Naveen’s father into the conversation, and the matter was laughed off. However, the clip soon went viral, with social media users debating whether Malaika’s reaction was justified.
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions on Malaika’s Response
The internet had mixed feelings about the situation. Some supported Malaika, saying she was right to set boundaries, while others felt she overreacted.
-
Supporters’ View: Many praised Malaika for handling the situation professionally. They pointed out that a 16-year-old should be mindful of his expressions, especially towards a judge.
-
Critics’ View: Others argued that dance is about expressions and that the contestant was simply performing. Some even accused Malaika of hypocrisy, considering her own dance career features bold moves.
Meanwhile, a few social media users noted that Remo D’Souza’s intervention helped ease the tension. His decision to turn the moment into a joke possibly prevented the issue from escalating further.
Malaika’s Personal Life: Constantly in the Spotlight
Beyond her professional work, Malaika’s personal life frequently makes headlines. She was married to Arbaaz Khan for nearly two decades before their divorce in 2017. Their son, Arhaan Khan, recently turned 22.
Post-divorce, Malaika was in a long-term relationship with Arjun Kapoor. However, the couple reportedly broke up in 2024, and she is now focusing on her career. Despite being a private person, her relationships and public appearances often become topics of discussion.
Where Does Malaika Stand Now?
Malaika has maintained that her reaction on the show was not meant to embarrass Naveen but to remind him of appropriate stage behavior. She acknowledged his talent and described him as a promising dancer.
“There’s no need to do so much. We also sing, we also make fun of it, and we also do some drama in the song, which is fine. We also blow kisses, we also bite our lips. It’s all part of expression, which I feel is absolutely fine. Maybe at that moment, I felt it was a little too much,” she explained.
As discussions continue, the moment has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between artistic expression and setting boundaries in the entertainment industry.
