Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal (born November 26, 1972) is a Hindi film actor, model, producer, and television personality. He made his acting debut in Rajiv Rai's 2001 romantic movie called 'Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat' and has since appeared in more than 40 other films. He won many awards for his action in Rock On!!, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He has played lead roles in romance films such as Deewaanapan (2001), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), Dil Ka Rishta (2003), Vaada (2005), as well as I See You (2006), also the action films such as Asambhav (2004) as well as D-Day (2013), thrillers such as Yakeen (2005) as well as Roy (2015), socio-political films such as Chakravyuh (2012), crime drama Inkaar (2013), along with biopic Daddy (2017). Rampal's career took a turn in 2002 when he was cast in Aankhen, which became his first mainstream success. Don (2006), Om Shanti Om (2007), Raajneeti (2010), Housefull (2010), Ra. One (2011), Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016), and Nail Polish (2021) are among his other commercially successful films. Rampal launched his production company, Chasing Ganesha Films, with the film I See You (2006) and then produced the biography Daddy (2017), for which he has also taken part in co-writing the screenplay.

Early life

Rampal was born in a military family on November 26, 1972, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Brigadier Gurdayal Singh is his maternal grandfather who created the first artillery gun for the Indian Army after independence. His father is a Brahmin, and his mother is Sikh and Dutch. He was raised in a multicultural home that celebrated Christmas, Diwali, and Eid. After his parents divorced, he lived with his mother and attended St. Patrick School (Devlali, Nashik), where his mother was a teacher. After that, he went to Kodaikanal International School. He later earned an honors degree in economics from Hindu College in Delhi. Afterward, he became a model. Actress Kim Sharma is Arjun Rampal's first cousin.

Acting Career

2001-05: Early lead roles

In Rajiv Rai's Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001), Rampal is his acting debut along with Aftab Shivdasani, Sunil Shetty, and Kirti Reddy. Rampal stole the show and attracted everyone's attention. His acting in the film received great popularity. Taran Adarsh of indiaFM wrote, "Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat is a showcase for Arjun Rampal to show his talent. " The man appears dashing and emotes honesty. He managed the emotional highs and lows with maturity, which is unusual for a newcomer. "A strong debut!" This assisted Rampal to prove himself as a famous actor in the Indian cinema industry. He was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, but the awards for Best Male Debut at the Star Screen and IIFA ceremonies were swapped.

His next film was Ashu Trikha's Deewaanapan, where he acted alongside Dia Mirza. His performance received critical praise, but the picture failed at the box office. "Arjun Rampal carries the film on his broad shoulders and comes up with a sincere performance consistent throughout," stated Taran Adarsh of IndiaFM. He tops in action scenes and delights in emotional moments by giving suitable reactions. He got a negative review from Rediff, Ashish Magotra, by writing, "Among the actors, Arjun Rampal as the hero does pretty much what he has been known to do. "He does modeling. His acting skills offer much to be desired." Ashok Mehta's 'Moksha' was his final release of the year. It was his first film, but it came out after Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat. In Moksha, Rampal acted with the famous actress Manisha Koirala. This was Rampal's third consecutive box office flop, although he received critical praise. "Arjun Rampal excels in a difficult-to-portray role," has been commented on by Taran Adarsh of IndiaFM. He makes huge gains as a performer and displays his incredible range." According to Priyanka Bhattacharya of Rediff, the film is "more of a 70-mm portfolio for Arjun Rampal than a plot." Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Aankhen is the film in which Rampal acted together with Paresh Rawal, Amitabh Bachchan, Sushmita Sen, Akshay Kumar, and Aditya Pancholi that was Rampal's first release in 2002. He got a role to act like a blind man.

The film did well in the box office, becoming the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2002. Kundan Shah's Dil Hai Tumhaara, in which he acted along with Rekha, Preity Zinta, Mahima Chaudhry, and Jimmy Shergill, was his next release, but the film was a failure. In 2003, Rampal co-starred with Aishwarya Rai in Naresh Malhotra's Dil Ka Rishta. Rampal's performance received many appraisals. "Arjun Rampal shakes off his wooden image and delivers a good performance," Rediff's Ronjita Kulkarni commented. In the emotional scenes, he is convincing and deft. He has progressed since Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat." According to box office collections, it was the 31st film of the year. Rampal's next movie was opposite Urmila Matondkar in Khalid Mohammed's Tehzeeb. In the film, Rampal played a Muslim. The film received positive reviews from critics. According to Taran Adarsh, "the easy-going attitude his character reflects injects that positive sheen to the enterprise." Rampal worked with Rajiv Rai for the second time in his debut action thriller Asambhav in 2004.

Rampal co-starred with Priyanka Chopra in the film as Captain Aadit Arya, who is an Indian commando. The entire film was shot in Switzerland. Asambhav was Rampal's only release of the year, which was released on July 23. "Arjun Rampal looks good, and he fits the mold of the action hero very well," commented Shahid Khan of Planet Bollywood. Rampal's first film in 2005 was Satish Kaushik's Vaada, in which he co-starred with Ameesha Patel and Zayed Khan. The movie was a flop. Rediff's Patcy N commended Rampal, saying, "Arjun Rampal has done a good job; he is a subdued performance, and the model-turned-actor looks great in most scenes." Elaan was Rampal's next release, a multi-starrer action film along with Vikram Bhatt. The movie did well at the box office, earning an average gross. 'Elaan' got Rampal significant appreciation for his performance. IANS' Subhash K. Jha acclaimed Rampal, writing, "Arjun is pretty much on his own." He brings a modest conviction to his scenes with his screen daughter and his engaging death scene as a man with obligations." "Arjun Rampal is almost believable as the strict ex-cop," said Merril Diniz of Rediff. He has a rich baritone and a lean-built body ." Rampal's third film of the year was the mystery thriller Yakeen, in which he co-starred with Priyanka Chopra for the second time. He was praised for enhancing his emotive acting. "Cast in a complex role, Arjun Rampal delivers his best performance so far," Taran Adarsh said of his performance. The actor easily depicts a wide range of emotions and gives a faultless performance. He is truly efficient in sequences when he suspects his wife's integrity in the first half. The shower scene and the interval point demonstrate Arjun's versatility as an actor." Apoorva Lakhia's Ek Ajnabee, in which he co-starred with Amitabh Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Perizaad Zorabian, was Rampal's final release of the year.

This film featured Rampal in his debut negative role as Shekhar Verma, a child's bodyguard who is a corrupted person. "The narrative has some nice supporting outcomes, particularly Arjun Rampal, who's gone both under and over the skin of his bar-owner ex-army man's role," Rampal not only looks right, but he also feels correct." Stated by Subhash K Jha. Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai, a love triangle drama starring Bobby Deol and Ameesha Patel, was his first release in 2006.The release of this picture was postponed. According to Satyajit of SmasHits, "Arjun Rampal has also been promising, and it shows in his performance." He may have been labeled a "wooden actor" by the media, but he has demonstrated tremendous improvisation in emotional sequences." "Arjun is awkward at times in the beginning but gets into the rhythm later," Aran Adarsh has stated. The heartbreaking scenes in the second half will clearly show how far he's come." A multi-starrer role in 'Anthology Darna Zaroori Hai' was his second appearance. Prawal Raman's "Spirits Do Come" cast stars Rampal with Bipasha Basu and Makrand Deshpande. Despite a cast of all-stars, the movie failed at the box office.

Producer and breakthrough in 2006-07

In Don - The Chase Begins Again, a remake of the 1978 film Don, Rampal repeated the supporting role of Jasjit. Pran had acted as the character in the original Don. Don - The Chase Begins Again, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, was Rampal's first box-office success. The film was a breakthrough for Rampal, although Khan received the most attention. Taran Adarsh appreciated him, saying, "Despite the shortcomings, he makes a sincere attempt." Rampal and his wife, Mehr Jesia, started their production business, Chasing Ganesha Films. Rampal's final release in 2006 was 'I See You,' which was the first film under that banner. He co-starred with debutant Vipasha Agarwal in the starring role. The film was fully shot in London, England.Like his previous films, 'I See You' was a box office flop and earned negative reviews.

On the other hand, Rampal received much appreciation for his work. Arjun is effective in a part that does not demand histrionics. He has previously proved his talent, and his performance in this movie is not equal to his previous efforts. He is very effective in dramatic scenes." In 2007, Rampal played a villain role in Om Shanti Om, with Shah Rukh Khan and the debuting actress Deepika Padukone. The movie was the highest-grossing movie of the year in India and worldwide market, and it became India's highest-grossing production to that point, with a worldwide gross of more than 1.48 billion. It was Rampal's highest hit, and he got much praise for his negative role in the movie. Rediff's Sukanya Verma states, "Rampal's persona exudes too much warmth to pass off as a cold-blooded villain." Rampal was nominated for the IIFA, Star Screen, and Apsara awards for his negative role in Om Shanti Om, which made him win the Zed Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role.

2008-11: Critical acclaim

Rampal has risen to prominence as an actor with the success of Om Shanti Om. In 2008, Rampal appeared in Rock On!! as Joseph "Joe" Mascarenhas, who is the lead guitarist of a band and a poor idealist who never learned that self-importance is more important than music in a remixed world. Rampal learned guitar in preparation for the role. His performance made him win the prestigious National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor at the 56th National Film Awards, the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award at the 54th Filmfare Awards, the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor at the 10th IIFA Awards, and the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor. Rampal's success and popularity have increased because of this. Nikhat Kazmi from the Times of India praised Rampal's performance, writing, "If you had to choose, then the vote would go for Arjun Rampal, who shows a newfound maturity and looks groovy with his windblown hair and guitar-strumming position." "Arjun Rampal is slowly coming into his own," stated Martin D'Souza of Bollywood Trade News Network. After playing a negative role in Om Shanti Om, he returns with another stunning performance as Joe Mascarenhas, the band's main guitarist. He walks the performance with a vibrant rock star swagger, then restrained." The later same year, he co-starred in Rituparno Ghosh's English arthouse film 'The Last Lear' with Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and received good reviews at several other film festivals.

Rampal's performance received positive reviews in India upon its theatrical release. He gave a show-stopping performance. "Arjun is developing into a fine actor," remarked Taran Adarsh. This is another performance that will earn Arjun praises after Rock On!!.". CNN-IBN's Rajeev Masand mentioned Rampal's acting, stating, "Arjun Rampal shines as the guilt-ridden filmmaker, too ashamed to even apologize for his selfishness." Deepak Tijori's Fox, where he co-starred with Sunny Deol, Sagarika Ghatge, and Udita Goswami, was Rampal's only release in 2009. The film received mostly negative reviews and failed at the box office. However, Rampal got the appreciation. Taran Adarsh described Rampal's performance as flawless. 2010 would be Rampal's most successful year, with three consecutive hits. The first was Sajid Khan's comedy Housefull, in which he played a supporting character. The film earned negative reviews yet was a box office hit. Raajneeti, a multi-starrer directed by Prakash Jha, was Rampal's next film. Rampal gained significant appreciation for his performance as Prithvi in the film. "Arjun is a revelation, and what a terrific performance he pitches in," Taran Adarsh has stated. He's like a wild lion." He was nominated for a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance. He was named Best Supporting Actor at the IIFA, Apsara, and Zed Cine awards. His most recent film was Siddharth Malhotra and Karan Johar's We Are Family, in which he co-starred with Kajol and Kareena Kapoor. It was an average grosser and Rampal's first successful film in a leading role. He also handles emotional situations well.

Villain role

Rampal played a negative role in Anubhav Sinha's science fiction film Ra.One in 2011. Although the film was a commercial success in India and abroad, it received mixed reviews. Rampal's new bald style drew a lot of praise and popularity from the public. Most fans thought his "Ra. One" look was superior to the protagonist's "G.One" look. His villainous performance gained him significant compliments. Martin D'Souza appreciated Rampal's performance and saw him as the film's salvation in the second half, which was faultless. He said: "It's only after the interval break that the plot downs a bit, loses its sting, and almost falls apart just like a pixelated image before Arjun lights up the screen." "The best person to benefit from the film directed by Anubhav Sinha, with more absurd and obscene sexual jokes than in any recent Hindi film, is Arjun Rampal," was commented by Arthur J Pais of Rediff.com. His appearance and body language are the best combination to make a scary villain." On the other hand, Raja Sen wrote: "Arjun Rampal is the best thing in the biggest budget Indian feature of all time." According to Aseem Chhabra, Rampal was the "most interesting element of the film."

Experimental roles from 2012 to the present

Rampal had three box office failures 2012: Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine, Prakash Jha's Chakravyuh, and the comedy film Ajab Gazabb Love. On the other hand, Rampal received praise for his performances. In Heroine, Rampal played Aryan Khanna, who is a well-known actor and co-starred with Kareena Kapoor. The film has performed well at the box office, collecting only 225 million (US$2.8 million) throughout the weekend. Box Office India rated it as below average. Rampal played in Chakravyuh as SP Adil Khan, who is a police officer along with Abhay Deol, Esha Gupta, Manoj Bajpai, Om Puri, and Anjali Patil. In its first week, the picture grossed 159 million (US$2.0 million). On the other hand, Rampal received tremendous compliments for his performance as a police officer. Rohit Vats, reporting for CNN-IBN, said: "Arjun Rampal's image and dialogue delivery mar his chances, but it is one of his finest performances. He has given Abhay Deol a run for his money in double roles." Rampal played twin brothers Karan and Arjun in Ajab Gazabb Love, based on the popular combo of Karan and Arjun from the hit 1995 film of the same name.

Despite the film's box office failure, Rampal received a good response for his dual-character performance. The Times of India's Madhureeta Mukherjee commented, "Arjun Rampal's comic timing is shocking." His twin act entertains and energizes the humor." And Sudhir Mishra's Inkaar, where he co-starred with Chitrangada Singh, was his first release in 2013. Despite the film's box office failure, Rampal received great reviews from reviewers and audiences for his performance. "Arjun Rampal displays a remarkable understanding of the character," Taran Adarsh said about Rampal's action. Following Chakravyuh, which was released a few months ago, D-Day was his next film, which was directed by Nikhil Advani and with actors Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Shruti Haasan, and Huma Qureshi. He played RAW agent Rudra Pratap Singh. Rampal trained with real RAW operatives to prepare for his role. For his performance, he received wonderful responses. "Arjun Rampal has evolved for the better as an actor," stated Mohar Basu of Koimoi. Despite the presence of more powerful actors, his faultless personality and acting with implications of agony and strength make him stand out. He performed like a dream, which is admirable, to say the least." According to Yahoo! Movies' Rummana Ahmed, "As a former army officer and now an undercover agent, Arjun is intense and sharp, his body language apt, and his performance precise." "It is Arjun Rampal as Rudra who amazes with a performance that is undeniably his best to date," remarked Mid-Day's Shubha Shetty. Apart from appearing stunning, Rampal effortlessly conveys a spectrum of emotions with amazing adaptability." Mansha Rastogi from Now Running.com stated, "Arjun Rampal has excelled himself by leaps and bounds and makes a worthy effort of an ex-army man transformed RAW Agent wonderfully." On the other hand, Rajeev Masand stated: "Arjun Rampal does some of his best work here as the rebellious agent simmering with pent-up anger."

Satyagraha

Arjun Rampal's film career took a surprising path with his appearance in Prakash Jha's 'Satyagraha' (2013), in which he worked with Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, and Amrita Rao. Arjun Singh, a determined social activist battling for the release of his former college principal, was played by Rampal in the film. Following this, his next film, 'Roy,' which was originally scheduled for a 2014 release, was delayed and eventually released in 2015. Unfortunately, the romantic thriller in which he starred together with Jacqueline Fernandez and Ranbir Kapoor got average public and commercial reviews. It was described as "boring, exhausting, and pretentious" by critic Sarita A. Tanwar.

From 2016

In 2016, Rampal resumed his role as Joe Mascarenhas in the sequel film Rock On!!, Rock On!! 2, opposite Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, and Purab Kohli. It was a box-office flop, owing mostly to demonetization, although the actors were praised in the film. His next film was Kahaani 2, where he played a sub-inspector on the hunt for the missing protagonist (Vidya Balan). The picture did well at the box office, but his performance was praised. His next project was Daddy, a biography on gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli in which he played Arun Gawli and produced the film. He lost 10 kg and skipped workouts for over two years to play the character. Critics highly praised his dedication, with News18's Rajeev Masand stating, "It's a shrewd performance, relying almost entirely on body language over histrionics, and the actor doesn't disappoint." In 2021, he co-starred with Konkona Sen Sharma in Aparna Sen's Hindi film The Rapist. At the 26th Busan International Film Festival, the film was nominated for the Kim Jiseok prize. Rampal was supposed to make his Telugu film debut in the role of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Hari Hara Veera Mallu. However, he declined due to other commitments. He appeared in Dhaakad in 2022.

Non-Film work

• Television
  Rampal made his television debut in 2008 as one of three judges on the fourth season of the dancing reality show Nach Baliye on STAR Plus. The other two judges were Farah Khan, who is well-known as a choreographer, and Karisma Kapoor, a film actress. Rampal and Preity Zinta co-hosted the 5th Apsara Awards in 2010. Rampal began hosting a new television show called Love 2 Hate U on STAR World India in November 2011. The show's concept was that Rampal aimed to change people's perceptions of actors from Bollywood by confronting them. The first episode aired on November 20th, and the final episode aired on January 15th, respectively. Rampal debuted his digital web series in 2019 with The Final Call, in which he played Captain Karan Sachdev and received the Best Actor in a Web Series Award. In 2021, Rampal made his film debut in Nail Polish, which is a digital online film.
• Performances on the stage
  Along with acting, Arjun Rampal has appeared in numerous worldwide stage concerts alongside several Bollywood celebrities and actresses. Rampal took part in his first international tour, Heartthrobs: Live in Concert, in 2002, alongside Hrithik Roshan, Aftab Shivdasani, and sisters Karisma and Kareena Kapoor. The international Temptations 2004 performance featured Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, and Priyanka Chopra. At the time, it was the most successful Bollywood concert. Nineteen concerts were held around the world. Rampal participated in Temptations Reloaded 2008, a series of performances held across numerous nations in 2008, which Shah Rukh Khan directed. Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Ganesh Hegde, Javed Ali, and Anusha Dandekar also appeared on the show. It was held at the Ahoy Rotterdam location in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Several months later, Rampal reunited with Khan, Kapoor, and Kaif to perform in front of 15,000 people in Dubai's Festival City Arena. In 2010, Rampal performed alongside Khan in front of a large crowd at the Army Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Rani Mukerji, Neeraj Shridhar, and Ishaa Koppikar also took part.

Media

Rampal's reputation and fan base have grown due to his excellent looks and acting abilities. The media describes him as a versatile and popular actor. The Indian media has called him as "the hunk" on a lot of times In 2012, he was named "Most Desirable Man" by The Times of India, defeating out 49 other men, including politicians, artists, and athletics. He was voted No. 9 on the Times of India's ''Most Desirable Man'' list in 2017. In collaboration with Percept Limited, Arjun Rampal launched the "Lost Festival" in 2012. "Lost" is a music festival inspired by culture, tradition, and soul. He joined PETA's campaign to prohibit horse-drawn carriages in Mumbai in 2013. Rampal's luxury nightclub "Lap" in New Delhi hosts DJs and performers such as Lady Gaga and Formula 1 after-party attended by Bernie Ecclecston. After eight years, he closed the club in 2016.

Personal life

Rampal married Mehr Jesia in 1998, and they have two kids named Mahikaa and Myra. After 20 years of marriage, the pair announced their divorce in a joint statement on May 28, 2018. In November 2019, a Bandra family court granted them divorce. The couple's two girls will be cared for by their mother. Rampal confirmed his girlfriend, Gabriella Demetriades, was pregnant in April 2019. In July 2019, Demetriades gave birth to a son named Arik Rampal. In July 2023, the couple welcomed their second son.

Trivia about Arjun Rampal

• Awards and nominations
  Arjun Rampal's awards include a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and the coveted National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On!! (2008). He has also received recognition for his roles in Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001), Om Shanti Om (2007), Raajneeti (2010), and Housefull (2010).
• Writing Aspiration
  In addition to his acting abilities, Arjun Rampal enjoys writing. "Through My Eyes," his debut novel which was released in 2009. The book gives readers with a glimpse at his personal and professional life in the entertainment world..
• Fitness Fanatic
  Arjun Rampal is well-known for his toned and formed body. He is a fitness enthusiast who maintains a strict workout schedule. His commitment to fitness is reflected in his chiselled appearance on-screen.
• Philanthropic Activities
  Arjun Rampal is heavily involved in charity activities. He is an activist for a variety of foundations, including child welfare and education. He volunteers for organizations such as Sightsavers India and the Cancer Patients Aid Association.
• The Evolution in "Ra.One"
  Arjun Rampal transformed dramatically for his role as the antagonist in the sci-fi superhero film "Ra.One." He spent hours in the makeup chair to acquire his strong and scary appearance, which amazed the audience.
• Modelling Career and Height
  Arjun Rampal is 6 feet 1-inch tall which adds to his attraction as a successful model. With his confident movement and spectacular appearance, he controlled the runway, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after male models.

Conclusion

Arjun Rampal is an accomplished actor in the Indian film industry, recognized for his ability to play various kinds of roles impressively. Among the most talented cast, his performance of Arjun Singh in 'Satyagraha' proved his incredible talent. Despite the disappointment of the release of 'Roy,' Rampal's enthusiasm to experiment and dedication to his work remains remarkable. While not every production was a commercial success, Rampal's dedication to his characters and his continued presence in the industry ensured his place as an acknowledged figure in Indian cinema. His career has been one of progression and exploration, defining him as an actor who continues to attempt to push limits and leave his mark in the world of entertainment.