The collaboration between 52-year-old Malaika Arora and Yo Yo Honey Singh in the music video ‘Chillgum’ has ignited social media, dividing opinions on performance, age, and creative expression in Bollywood music videos.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood music videos, the latest collaboration between Yo Yo Honey Singh and Malaika Arora has become the talk of the town—but not necessarily for the reasons the artists might have hoped. The recently released “Chillgum,” featuring 52-year-old Arora in a high-energy dance sequence, has sparked intense online debate, with critics calling the moves “vulgar” while defenders champion artistic freedom .
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Indian entertainment between creative expression, social expectations, and the unwritten rules about how women of a certain age should present themselves on screen.
The Video That Divided the Internet
Backlash and Criticism
Within hours of its release, “Chillgum” found itself at the center of a social media storm. A particular behind-the-scenes image that went viral on Reddit showed Malaika in a playful pose with her tongue out, twerking close to Honey Singh . While intended as fun and celebratory, the image quickly drew criticism from segments of the online community.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments describing Arora’s dance moves as “too bold” and “distasteful” . Some critics went further, calling the choreography “vulgar” and questioning its coherence within the video’s overall narrative . The backlash was swift and severe enough that multiple news outlets covered the controversy, with The Times of India noting that Arora was “brutally trolled” for her performance .
The Supportive Counterpoint
Despite the criticism, many supporters have come to Arora’s defense online. These defenders argue that as an established artist and performer, Arora should have the freedom to express herself creatively without facing moral policing .
The debate has created a clear divide in the comments sections of various platforms, with some users focusing on issues of “class” and appropriateness while others emphasize artistic liberty and the right to personal expression .
Behind “Chillgum” and Honey Singh’s Ambitious Project
A Nostalgic Musical Vision
“Chillgum,” sung by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Ragini Vishwakarma, represents a deliberate throwback to 90s-era aesthetics . The music video features flashy costumes, neon-lit backdrops, and infectious beats designed to evoke nostalgia while feeling fresh and contemporary .
Director Mihir Gulati skillfully created a visual world that complements the song’s high-energy composition, with Honey Singh and Malaika Arora displaying what music channel News18 described as “undeniable chemistry” throughout their shared sequences .
Part of a Larger Creative Endeavor
The song is part of Honey Singh’s massive album “51 Glorious Days,” an unprecedented project featuring 51 songs that has made him the first Indian artist to release so many tracks at once in a single album . In a statement about the ambitious project, Honey Singh explained: “51 GLORIOUS DAYS is not just an album, it’s my life’s biggest celebration. 51 tracks, 51 moods, 51 ways to say that Yo Yo Honey Singh is here to stay” .
He further emphasized the personal significance of the project, noting that “every beat, every lyric, every collab on this album is fire. I’ve poured my heart, my hustle, and my madness into it” .
Malaika Arora: Consistent Persona or New Direction?
A History of Iconic Performances
Long before the “Chillgum” controversy, Malaika Arora had established herself as one of Bollywood’s most iconic dancers and performers. From her unforgettable number “Chaiyya Chaiyya” to “Munni Badnam Hui,” Arora has consistently delivered memorable performances that have become part of Bollywood’s cultural fabric .
Even recently, during her 50th birthday celebrations in Goa, she danced to “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” demonstrating her enduring connection to the song that made her famous . The celebration, attended by her son Arhaan, sister Amrita, and close friends from the industry, showed her continuing comfort with performance and expression .
A Clear Vision for Her Life and Career
Earlier this year, Arora shared her mindset and plans for 2025, describing her approach as being “unbothered, happy, moisturised, making money, focused, in my own lane, positive, glowing, growing” . This statement, posted alongside a video of her dancing to Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy,” suggests a woman fully in control of her personal and professional choices .
Her personal philosophy extends to relationships as well. In a 2021 revelation about her preferences in partners, she stated: “I like men who are a little rough around the edges, not too polished or clean-shaven. I also like someone who’s openly flirty” . This self-awareness indicates that her performance choices are consistent with her personal brand and expressed preferences.
The Bigger Picture: Age, Artistry, and Audience Expectations
The Question of Ageism in Entertainment
The strong reaction to Arora’s performance in “Chillgum” raises important questions about ageism in Indian entertainment. The fact that her age has been highlighted in discussions about the video suggests that societal expectations about appropriate behavior for women in their 50s may be influencing some of the criticism.
This isn’t the first time Arora has faced online trolling, but it does represent a particularly intense wave of backlash . The situation echoes patterns seen in entertainment industries worldwide, where female performers often face greater scrutiny and criticism as they age compared to their male counterparts.
Beyond the Controversy
Despite the social media firestorm, it’s important to note that “Chillgum” represents just one data point in Arora’s multifaceted career. Beyond performing, she’s currently working toward building her chain of restaurants specializing in healthy food . She also continues her work as a judge on reality television, including co-judging the TV reality show “Super Dancer” with Remo D’Souza .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Honey Singh’s “Chillgum” and which album does it belong to?
“Chillgum” is a 90s-inspired music video featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh, Ragini Vishwakarma, and Malaika Arora . The song is part of Honey Singh’s ambitious album “51 Glorious Days,” which contains 51 tracks and marks the first time an Indian artist has released so many songs at once in a single album .
2. Why has Malaika Arora faced trolling for her performance in “Chillgum”?
Arora has faced criticism primarily for her dance moves, which some social media users have described as “vulgar” and “too bold” . Specific elements that drew criticism include a viral behind-the-scenes image showing her twerking close to Honey Singh with her tongue out .
3. How have people defended Malaika Arora’s performance?
Defenders of Arora’s performance have argued for artistic freedom, maintaining that as an established performer, she should have the liberty to express herself creatively without facing moral judgment . Others have pointed to her consistent performance style throughout her career.
4. What has been Malaika Arora’s response to the controversy?
As of now, neither Malaika Arora nor Yo Yo Honey Singh has publicly commented on the specific controversy surrounding the “Chillgum” dance moves .
5. Where can I watch the official “Chillgum” music video?
The official “Chillgum” music video is available on various platforms, including YouTube, and has been widely covered by entertainment news outlets such as News18 and Times of India .
Conclusion
The debate surrounding Malaika Arora’s performance in Honey Singh’s “Chillgum” reveals much about our collective relationship with art, age, and gender expectations in entertainment. While social media controversies often generate more heat than light, this discussion touches on important questions about creative freedom and the boxes we sometimes try to place performers in—especially women of a certain age.
What remains clear is that at 52, Malaika Arora continues to captivate audiences, push boundaries, and remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry. Whether one personally appreciates her performance in “Chillgum” or not, her ability to spark conversation after decades in the public eye is a testament to her enduring impact on Bollywood’s cultural landscape.
Where do you stand in this debate? Do we need to reconsider our expectations of performers as they mature, or should artists also consider audience sensitivities when creating content? Share your perspective in the comments below.
