MUMBAI: Started out as a model and became one of the most versatile actors of today’s Hindi cinema - that’s Arjun Rampal. He stepped into the industry as a model - ruled hearts as an intense yet handsome antagonist in Ra. One - made us hate him as Mukesh Mehra in the iconic love story, Om Shanti Om. Given his graph, Arjun has always proven to be a shape-shifter, be it through his chiselled physique as a model or setting new highs with his unpredictability on-screen, he has emerged as the real 'Daddy' of Bollywood!
In his earlier days, he started off with modelling and was featured in a string of music videos such as Bekaraar (1996), Kinna Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya (1997), and Don't Marry Maya (1998) among others. He stepped into Bollywood as a lead in Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001), earning immense appreciation for his screen presence and the sheer 'intent' to perform. After making a solid debut, he stole hearts with Deewaanapan by shouldering the film and balancing action with emotional sequences.
There was no stopping for Rampal in the next years! He witnessed a steady rise with films like Aankhen, Dil Ka Rishta, Vaada, Don: The Chase Begins, and more, all while adding strong titles to his body of work. Then came performances that became cults, and also a part of his identity. As Mukesh Mehra in Om Shanti Om, Arjun Rampal served a performance that became a classic. Not only did the epic love story become the biggest hit of his career, but it also earned him critical acclaim. He tapped into his villainous shade even more in films like Ra. One, Daddy, Dhaakad and more - serving cults one after the other. Whether it was about delivering a performance on the big screen or on OTT, he did not let the medium restrict him from being the chameleon of versatility.
In addition to redefining the villain of today, he also broadened his dynamics by genre-hopping with films like Raajneeti (political thriller), Housefull (comedy), Rock On! (musical drama), Satyagraha (thrilling drama), The Final Call (thrilling web series), Nail Polish (courtroom drama) and others.
Arjun Rampal’s evolution has not been a cake walk. His body of work also includes films that have performed decently. But despite the fate of his decently working films, he continued to lean towards his drive to reinvent.
Now, he is all set to raise the bar of unconventional even more with his upcoming film, Dhurandhar, gearing up to unleash fury as the Angel of Death. As ISI Major Iqbal, Rampal takes ‘menace’ to even higher levels, and his looks alone have set the tone for the film’s big release. With reinvention being the only constant for Arjun, he has naturally established himself as a director’s actor. He left the conventionality behind years ago, and that’s exactly why every role is a level up for Arjun Rampal as a versatile performer.
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