Read Arjun Rampal Biography on farhanabhatt.com
Arjun Rampal (born 26 November 1972) is an Indian actor and former model known for his work in Hindi cinema. He entered films with Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001) and has since appeared in more than 40 movies. His breakthrough performance in the musical drama Rock On!! (2008) earned him both the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor, establishing him as one of Bollywood’s most versatile performers.
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Rampal was born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a family with strong ties to the Indian Armed Forces. His maternal grandfather designed the first artillery gun for the Indian Army, while his father comes from a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family. His mother has Sikh and Dutch heritage, giving him a diverse cultural background. After his parents separated, he primarily lived with his mother, who played a major role in shaping his early life.
Schooling and Academic Path
He attended St. Patrick School in Devlali (Nashik) and later moved to Kodaikanal International School. Eventually, he graduated with an honours degree in Economics from Hindu College, Delhi. During his college years, he began exploring opportunities in modelling, which gradually led him toward the entertainment industry.
Rise as a Model
By the late 1990s, Rampal had become one of India’s most recognizable male models. He appeared in several music videos, including the popular track “Bekaraar” in 1996. This phase of his career helped him transition into films, as his screen presence quickly attracted attention from filmmakers.
Arjun Rampal Career
Early Film Roles (2001–2005)
Rampal made his acting debut in Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001), earning a Filmfare nomination for Best Male Debut. He soon appeared in romantic and action dramas such as Deewaanapan (2001), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), and Dil Ka Rishta (2003). Although these films received mixed responses, they helped him gain steady recognition. His first major hit came with the thriller Aankhen (2002), a multi-starrer that performed strongly at the box office.
Mainstream Success (2006–2010)
Rampal’s career took a notable turn with Don – The Chase Begins Again (2006), where he played Jasjit, a trusted ally of Shah Rukh Khan’s character. The film emerged as a hit and marked a new phase in his career.
Soon afterward, he portrayed a charismatic villain in Om Shanti Om (2007), opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The blockbuster became the highest-grossing Indian film of that year, and his performance won him the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role.
His most celebrated role arrived in 2008 with Rock On!!, where he played guitarist Joe Mascarenhas. He learned to play the guitar specifically for the role, and the film’s success brought him both critical acclaim and multiple awards.
In 2010, Rampal appeared in two major ensemble hits: the comedy Housefull and the political drama Raajneeti. Both films strengthened his position in mainstream cinema.
Continued Recognition (2011–2017)
Throughout the next several years, Rampal explored diverse characters. He starred in D-Day (2013) as an undercover agent, earning praise for his restrained and intense performance. Later, he produced and acted in Daddy (2017), a biopic of Mumbai gangster Arun Gawli. For the role, he underwent a notable physical transformation and received critical approval for his commitment and authenticity.
OTT Era and South Indian Debut (2018–2025)
As digital platforms grew, Rampal transitioned into web-based content. He made his OTT debut in the Zee5 thriller The Final Call (2019) and later appeared in Nail Polish (2021) and The Rapist (2021). Both films were released on streaming services and earned positive reviews.
He portrayed the antagonist in the action thriller Dhaakad (2022). The following year, he made his Telugu cinema debut in Bhagavanth Kesari (2023), once again playing a powerful villain. In 2024, he appeared as Rauf in season 2 of Netflix’s Rana Naidu.
Most recently, Rampal joined the ensemble cast of Dhurandhar (2025), a high-profile spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh and other prominent actors.
Arjun Rampal Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Rampal married former supermodel Mehr Jesia in 1998. The couple has two daughters, Mahikaa (born 2002) and Myra (born 2005). After twenty years of marriage, they announced their separation in 2018, and their divorce was finalized the following year.
In 2019, Rampal began a relationship with South African model Gabriella Demetriades. They welcomed their first son, Arik, on 18 July 2019, followed by their second son, Ariv, on 20 July 2023. Rampal shares parenting responsibilities with Demetriades, while his daughters reside with their mother.
Physical Attributes and Net Worth
Known for his tall and striking appearance, Rampal stands about 6 ft 1 in (185 cm). As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately ₹115 crore (around US$15 million).
Filmography
- Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001) – Debut
- Aankhen (2002) – Breakthrough
- Don – The Chase Begins Again (2006)
- Om Shanti Om (2007) – Award-winning antagonist
- Rock On!! (2008) – National Award–winning performance
- Housefull (2010)
- Raajneeti (2010)
- D-Day (2013)
- Rock On 2 (2016)
- Daddy (2017)
- Nail Polish (2021)
- Bhagavanth Kesari (2023) – Telugu debut
- Dhurandhar (2025) – Upcoming spy thriller
Awards and Honours
- National Film Award – Best Supporting Actor (2008) – Rock On!!
- Filmfare Award – Best Supporting Actor (2008) – Rock On!!
- Zee Cine Award – Best Actor in a Negative Role (2007) – Om Shanti Om
- Multiple additional nominations and wins at IIFA, Screen Awards, and other major ceremonies.
Discography & Soundtracks
Arjun Rampal has no discography and has not performed as a playback singer or composer.
