Malaika Arora scolds 16-year-old contestant over inappropriate dance moves

Express Tribune

18-03-2025

Listen to article
Bollywood actor and reality TV judge Malaika Arora took a firm stand against inappropriate behaviour on 'Hip Hop India' Season 2 after scolding a 16-year-old contestant for making suggestive dance moves during his performance.
The incident, which aired on March 14, involved contestant Naveen Shah from Uttar Pradesh. During his audition, Naveen Shah directed several inappropriate gestures, including winking and blowing kisses, towards Malaika, 51, who immediately reprimanded him.
Visibly upset, Malaika confronted the teenage contestant after his performance, making it clear that she found his behaviour unacceptable.
'Please give me your mother's phone number,' she said. 'You are a 16-year-old kid. While dancing, he is looking at me and winking, (blowing) flying kisses.'
A video of the moment quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread debate. Many users applauded Malaika for calling out inappropriate behaviour on a public platform.
Remo D'Souza, the show's co-judge and a renowned choreographer, tried to lighten the situation with humour, asking the contestant whether he was more like his mother or father. However, the issue did not go unnoticed by other contestants, with one commenting, 'It was right to scold him. He did it in front of her?'
To further address the situation, the contestant's father was brought on stage. Speaking about his son's behaviour, the father admitted, 'He looks innocent, but he isn't. He keeps chatting with girls throughout the night.'
Malaika's response garnered overwhelming support from netizens, who praised her for standing her ground.
'She's right… this is needed for this 16-year-old child,' one user commented. Another added, 'Malaika is older than his mother, maybe.'
However, some users questioned the double standards in public criticism, noting that similar behaviour by female contestants often goes unnoticed. 'Teenage girls do the same things on social media and nobody talks about it,' one user pointed out.
Malaika Arora is no stranger to dance reality television. She has judged several high-profile shows, including 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa,' 'India's Best Dancer,' and 'India's Got Talent.' The show's producers have not yet commented on the incident.