Exclusive | ‘Arhaan is super creative’: Malaika Arora on working with son as she opens doors to new Scarlett House in Juhu

Malaika Arora on the new Scarlett House in Juhu

Bollywood style icon Malaika Arora has unveiled yet another chapter of her Scarlett House journey - this time trading the city's frenetic energy for the serene, sea-kissed shores of Juhu. Joining forces with her son Arhaan Khan, hospitality expert Dhaval Udeshi, design talent Malaya Nagpal, and childhood friends Amit and Afsana Verma, Malaika has crafted a space that blends innovation with nostalgia.

At its core lies India's first-of-its-kind hydration bar, serving an artisanal selection of flavoured waters, functional coolers, and velvety smoothie-style blends. Yet beyond its refreshing sips, the venue remains deeply rooted in Mumbai's soul, offering a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the city's culinary tapestry and the cherished recipes from Malaika's own kitchen.

Malaika exclusively tells mid-day about her take on this new space, working with Arhaan, what makes it a distinguished hub, and more.

Malaika's relationship with food has evolved over the years. She recalls being very rigid, counting and watching what she ate, but with time, she developed a much healthier and joyful bond with food. "I eat intuitively now. I enjoy experimenting, and I truly believe in balance. Food is such a big part of how we celebrate life," she explains.

Malaika's top picks and working with son Arhaan

Although the fitness enthusiast loves every item on the menu, we prodded her to name some personal favourites, to which she replied, "I'd say the Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish with just the right amount of indulgence. The Malabar Prawn Curry is something I keep going back to; it's bold, comforting, and hits all the right notes. And the Paneer Thecha, that one always surprises people. It's got this amazing punch and texture that makes it really special."

On partnering with her son professionally, she states that it doesn't feel like work. The proud mom elaborates, "We respect each other's space and bring our own energy to the table. He's super creative and has a really sharp sense of what feels current and cool. Watching him navigate with so much clarity and confidence makes me really proud. We don't overthink it, we just flow."

More about the hydration bar

Dhaval Udeshi maintains that it is important for those who visit Scarlett House to feel at home. Explaining more about the hydration bar, he shares, "It really came from something we were all noticing in the people around us - the need for options that aren't always centred around caffeine or alcohol. We wanted to create a bar experience that felt inclusive, where someone could just walk in post-yoga or between meetings and still feel like they're part of the energy without necessarily ordering a cocktail."

"It's not about trends, it's about recognising how people live today. The drinks are functional, yes, but they're also familiar. Whether it's a turmeric tonic for recovery or a gut-friendly cooler, the idea is to offer something that supports the body while still being enjoyable," he concludes.