TV personality Malaika Arora, during a recent interview, shared that for a considerable part of her career, she was perceived as a "sexy bombshell," and as a result, was not taken seriously by anyone.
She admitted that she was troubled by the way people perceived her and expressed that she was frequently grappling with inner conflicts.
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During a conversation with Brides Today, Malaika stated how she aspired to disassociate herself from the sultry seductress label by putting in efforts to change her image.
"When you are perceived as a sexy bombshell, no one takes you seriously. And this is what people thought about me for the longest time. It bothered me how people thought of me as just a 'great body' and a 'good face'; I wanted to break away from this image, and I worked on myself to do so," she said.
"Confidence was never an issue... If there is one thing that I have in abundance, it’s confidence. Today, I feel I am calmer and wiser...something I certainly wasn't growing up. I remember I was constantly dealing with internal strife. Having said that, I am a born hustler and I will die a hustler," she added.
Malaika made her debut in Bollywood movies by appearing in the popular track Chaiyya Chaiyya from the movie Dil Se in 1998. She also starred in several other songs, including Ekwari Tak Le from Bichhoo 2000, Munni Badnaam Hui from Dabangg in 2010, Anarkali Disco Chali from Housefull 2, and Pandey Ji Seeti from Dabangg 2, both in 2012.
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Malaika has participated in numerous reality shows, including Nach Baliye, Zara Nachke Dikha, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India's Got Talent, India's Next Top Model, and India's Best Dancer.
She also has recently made her first appearance in the digital world with Disney+ Hotstar. In her show, Moving In With Malaika, she openly discussed her life with her fans through unedited conversations with her industry friends and family members.
Her new song Tera Ki Khayal, alongside singer Guru Randhawa, who has also sung the track, released earlier this week. Its lyrics have been penned by Randhawa along with Royal Maan, composed by Sanjoy and, directed by Bosco Leslie Martis.