Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal (born 26 November 1972) is an Indian actor, model and film producer who primarily works in Hindi cinema. He has appeared in more than 40 films and is known for performances across romantic, action, thriller, crime and socio-political films.

Rampal made his acting debut with Rajiv Rai's romantic film Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat in 2001. He later gained wider recognition through films including Aankhen, Don – The Chase Begins Again, Om Shanti Om, Rock On!!, Raajneeti, Housefull, Ra.One, D-Day, Inkaar and Daddy.

His performance as Joseph "Joe" Mascarenhas in Rock On!! (2008) earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film marked a major turning point in his acting career.

In addition to acting, Rampal has worked as a producer and established Chasing Ganesha Films. He also appeared on television as a reality-show judge and host and has participated in several international Bollywood stage concerts.

Early Life and Education

Arjun Rampal was born on 26 November 1972 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. He was raised in a family with a military background. His maternal grandfather, Brigadier Gurdayal Singh, was associated with the development of an artillery gun for the Indian Army after India's independence.

Rampal spent part of his childhood in Maharashtra and attended St. Patrick School in Deolali, Nashik. He later studied at Kodaikanal International School and graduated with a degree in Economics with honours from Hindu College, Delhi, affiliated with the University of Delhi.

Before entering films, Rampal established himself as a model. He was associated with fashion designer Rohit Bal and appeared in several fashion shows and music videos. He was also recognised as a leading Indian male model during the 1990s.

Modelling Career

Rampal began his professional career in modelling during the 1990s. His appearance and work in fashion helped establish him as one of India's prominent male models.

He appeared in music videos including Bekaraar, Kinna Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya and Don't Marry. His modelling career eventually led to opportunities in Hindi cinema.

Acting Career

2001–2005: Debut and Early Roles

Rampal made his acting debut with Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat in 2001, directed by Rajiv Rai. He appeared alongside Suniel Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani and Kirti Reddy.

His performance received attention and earned him nominations and awards in the newcomer category, including the Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer and the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year.

His subsequent films included Deewaanapan, Moksha, Aankhen, Dil Hai Tumhaara, Dil Ka Rishta, Tehzeeb, Asambhav, Vaada, Elaan, Yakeen and Ek Ajnabee.

During this period, Rampal appeared in a range of romantic, dramatic, action and thriller roles while developing his acting career.

2006–2007: Breakthrough

In 2006, Rampal appeared in Don – The Chase Begins Again, directed by Farhan Akhtar. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra and became a commercial success.

He subsequently appeared in I See You, which he also produced through his production company.

In 2007, Rampal played the antagonist Arjun Singh in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om, opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The film became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year, while Rampal received recognition for his performance as the antagonist.

Rock On!! and Critical Recognition

In 2008, Rampal starred in Abhishek Kapoor's musical drama Rock On!!, playing Joseph "Joe" Mascarenhas, the lead guitarist of a rock band.

To prepare for the role, he learned to play the guitar. His performance received widespread critical acclaim and earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and other awards.

The success of Rock On!! established Rampal as a more versatile actor and became one of the defining performances of his career.

2010–2017: Mainstream Success

Following the success of Rock On!!, Rampal appeared in several commercially successful films.

His notable releases during this period included:

Housefull (2010) Raajneeti (2010) We Are Family (2010) Ra.One (2011) D-Day (2013) Inkaar (2013) Roy (2015) Daddy (2017)

His performance in Raajneeti earned him several awards and nominations. In Daddy, Rampal portrayed gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli and also served as a producer and co-writer.

Production Career

Rampal entered film production with I See You in 2006 under his production banner, Chasing Ganesha Films.

He later produced Daddy (2017), in which he played the lead role. Rampal also co-wrote the screenplay for the film.

His work as a producer expanded his involvement in the film industry beyond acting.

Telugu Cinema

In 2023, Rampal made his Telugu cinema debut as an antagonist in Bhagavanth Kesari, starring alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna.

The film marked his expansion into a major South Indian film industry after a career primarily associated with Hindi cinema.

Dhurandhar

Rampal appeared in the action thriller Dhurandhar (2025), portraying Major Iqbal. His performance received significant audience attention.

He reprised the character in Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026). Both films became major commercial successes, further strengthening Rampal's profile as a character actor in large-scale action films.

Television and Digital Work

Rampal made his television debut in 2008 as one of the judges of the fourth season of the dance reality show Nach Baliye, alongside Farah Khan and Karisma Kapoor.

In 2010, he hosted the Apsara Awards with Preity Zinta. He later hosted Love 2 Hate U on STAR World India.

In 2019, Rampal made his digital series debut with The Final Call, in which he played Captain Karan Sachdev. His performance earned him recognition in the web-series category.

He subsequently appeared in the digital film Nail Polish in 2021.

Stage Performances

Alongside his film career, Rampal has participated in several international Bollywood stage concerts.

He made his concert-tour debut with Heartthrobs: Live in Concert in 2002, alongside Hrithik Roshan, Aftab Shivdasani, Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

He later participated in Temptations 2004 with Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra.

Rampal also participated in Temptations Reloaded 2008 and subsequent international Bollywood concerts.

Other Ventures

In 2012, Rampal launched the Lost Festival in association with Percept Limited. The festival focused on music, culture and traditions.

He also founded the luxury nightclub LAP in New Delhi, which hosted international musicians and DJs. The club operated for approximately eight years before closing in 2016.

Awards and Recognition

Rampal has received several awards during his career. His major honours include:

National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On!! Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On!! IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On!! Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On!! Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for Om Shanti Om Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor IWM Digital Award for Most Popular Actor in a Web Series for The Final Call

His National Film Award for Rock On!! remains one of the most significant achievements of his acting career.

Personal Life

Rampal married model Mehr Jesia in 1998. The couple have two daughters, Mahikaa and Myra. They announced their separation in May 2018 and were granted a divorce in November 2019.

In 2018, Rampal began a relationship with South African model and fashion designer Gabriella Demetriades. The couple have two sons, born in 2019 and 2023.

In August 2026, Rampal and Demetriades officially registered their marriage in Goa after several years together. The marriage was registered at the Sub-Registrar's office in Mapusa, North Goa.

Rampal is the father of four children: two daughters from his marriage to Mehr Jesia and two sons with Gabriella Demetriades.

Public Image

Rampal has frequently been recognised for his appearance and modelling background and has been described in Indian media as a prominent male fashion icon and actor.

In 2012, he was voted The Times of India's Most Desirable Man. He was also included in the publication's Most Desirable Men list in 2017.

Over the course of his career, he has transitioned from modelling to mainstream Hindi cinema, film production, television, digital entertainment and stage performances.

References

• "'Rock On!!', 'Daddy', 'Aankhen': After 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', let's revisit some of Arjun Rampal's best films on OTT". The Times of India. 23 March 2026. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "Arjun Rampal earns praise for playing Major Iqbal: How Dhurandhar 2 has revived the actor's career". Moneycontrol. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "National Film Awards Best Supporting Actor". Awards & Shows. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "Arjun Rampal reacts to praise for 26/11 sequence in 'Dhurandhar'; admits it was the TOUGHEST moment of his career". The Times of India. 11 December 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "Arjun Rampal celebrates Dhurandhar's success, praises co-stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna and others". Hindustan Times. 9 December 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "Arjun Rampal marks the blockbuster rise of Dhurandhar with an intimate, gratitude-filled message praising his co-stars and the entire team". Bollywood Hungama. 9 December 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "Arjun Rampal shares pic of daughters and son Arik, says 'you guys make my life and me'". Hindustan Times. 22 June 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
• "Arjun pens moving note for late mother: 'Missing you today and every day'". Hindustan Times. 7 June 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2026.