For Malaika Arora, There's Nothing As Rewarding As Entrepreneurship

Glamour and style come naturally to Malaika Arora.

Probably why it makes sense for her to launch her own elevated lifestyle accessories label, Maejoy.

Long associated with aspirational glamour and a sharp sense of personal style, with this new brand, the actor and fitness entrepreneur is now stepping into a new role — that of a brand builder. 

We chat with her about this brand, career reinvention and her passion for entrepreneurship, among other things. Edited excerpts:

Maejoy is rooted in the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me.” What does this idea represent for you at this stage of your life and career? 

At this stage of my life, “The Joy of Being Me” is really about confidence and self-expression. Over the years, you realise that true style isn’t about trends or external validation - it’s about feeling comfortable in your own identity. 

That philosophy became the foundation of Maejoy. The brand celebrates individuality and self-expression, and through the collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong, we’ve been able to bring that vision to life in a way that reaches a large community of modern, fashion-forward consumers.

Celebrity led brands are everywhere today. What gap did you feel it could fill in the lifestyle accessory space?

We identified a clear white space in the premium accessories segment. Many consumers want pieces that feel aspirational and fashion-forward, but they also want them to be accessible and versatile for everyday use. The goal was to bridge that gap - bringing together high-fashion inspiration with thoughtfully designed handbags and jewellery that feel contemporary and approachable.

How did you translate your personal aesthetic into something accessible for everyday consumers?

My personal style has always been about confidence and expression, but I also believe fashion should feel approachable. The idea was to take inspiration from that aspirational glamour and translate it into pieces that work effortlessly in everyday life.

You’ve spent decades in the public eye as a style icon. How different is it to now be involved in the business side of fashion? 

It’s a very different experience, but also an incredibly rewarding one. Being involved in the business side means you’re thinking about everything - from design and positioning to how the consumer discovers the brand.

How do you define 'accessible premium'?

For me, an accessible premium is about offering pieces that feel aspirational in design and quality, while still being attainable for a wider audience. Consumers today are very thoughtful about what they buy - they want something that feels stylish, well-crafted and meaningful. The focus has been on creating fashion-forward accessories that bring that sense of luxury and confidence, while still being relevant to everyday style.

How important was it for you to build a brand that can stand independently beyond your personal identity? 

While my personal style and perspective have definitely shaped Maejoy, the intention has always been to build a brand that stands on its own. The focus is on strong design, thoughtful craftsmanship and a clear philosophy around confidence and individuality. The goal is to build a brand with a strong foundation that can continue to grow and resonate with consumers beyond just my personal identity.

You’ve reinvented yourself several times throughout your career. Does this represent another reinvention for you? 

In some ways, yes. Every phase of my career has allowed me to explore different aspects of who I am - whether it was acting, television, wellness or entrepreneurship. Maejoy feels like a very natural extension of my journey because fashion and personal style have always been such a big part of my life.

What excites you the most about entrepreneurship? 

It is the opportunity to build something meaningful. Entrepreneurship allows you to turn ideas and creative vision into something tangible that people can experience in their everyday lives.