Table of Contents
In the latest episode of Karan Johar’s Koffee With Karan, Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor took a firm stand against age-shaming and societal scrutiny towards his relationship with Malaika Arora. The couple, who made their relationship official in 2019, have often been in the limelight for their unconventional pairing and have faced criticism over their 12-year age difference.
During the episode with Arjun Kapoor appearing alongside Aditya Roy Kapur, Kapoor discussed how trolls age-shame his relationship with Malaika Arora, sparking a conversation about how society remains fixated on age gaps in relationships.
As reported by Times of India, while addressing KJo’s question on relationships and dealing with age shaming, Kapoor’s response stated that people are affected; however, “it’s about dealing with it (trolls).”
He further explains his opinions on coping with the age-shaming comments that his relationship with Malaika has been subjected to, highlighting the upbringing and culture of the people who contribute to negative comments. He adds: “…they’re trying to get your attention.” Elucidating on his comment, Arjun Kapoor mentions that he tries to understand the reason why desperate people try to get his attention while simultaneously trying to detach himself from providing a reaction.
Celebrities and Age-Shaming
Since the beginning of their four-year relationship, the duo have faced immense criticism on their relationship age gap. In a Bollywood party attended by the couple back in 2019, social media users trolled their pair for their unconventional relationship with comments labelling them as an ‘off couple’ and even going as far as slamming their respective careers.
Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor are not the only power couples to experience horrid backlash towards the unusual age gap in relationships. Bollywood actor, producer, author and Hollywood actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has also experienced her fair share of online negativity towards her relationship with Hollywood singer and actor Nick Jonas.
In an interview reported by Bright Side, Priyanka, who is ten years older than Nick, commented on how people constantly bring up the age gap between her and her husband. She further addressed the criticism faced because of it. PeeCee also pointed out that there seems to be a double standard on gender regarding age. Based on an article by Hindustan Times, Priyanka states: “When you flip it and the guy is older, no one cares and actually people like it.”
Shortly after the couple tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony, an American media outlet ‘The Cut’ called PeeCee a ‘modern day’ scam artist’. Mariah Smith, the author of the article, has since apologised to the actress and the article was taken down.
Why is This The Norm in a Progressive Century?
It’s the 21st century! Why are people shamed for simply being human? From body shaming to ageist remarks against Malaika Arora and negative comments against the Jawan actress Priyamani’s age and appearance. There seems to be constant scrutiny against celebrities for the choices they make which indirectly reflects the regressive mentality of most Indian citizens. Audiences would rather fixate on the relationships, and age gaps of entertainers than on their accomplishments and art.
Arjun Kapoor’s public stand and clap back against trolls challenges these stereotypes while also encouraging individuals to embrace love in all its forms. When asked about his next step with Malaika during the Koffee With Karan episode, Kapoor responded: “I don’t want to speak about anything specific right now because it’s unfair to the relationship to talk alone about it.”
