Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal recently opened up about the emotional turmoil he experienced during the breakdown of his marriage to former Miss India and supermodel Mehr Jesia, describing it as one of the darkest and loneliest phases of his life. The couple, who married in 1998 after meeting during their modelling days, welcomed two daughters, Mahikaa and Myra, and were together for nearly two decades before announcing their separation in 2018. Their divorce was finalized in November 2019.
Arjun Reflects on the Loneliest Phase
Speaking to Sohini on the YouTube show 'Cancelled to Crown', Arjun reflected on dealing with the end of his marriage while simultaneously watching his mother battle cancer. He said, "I think the loneliest I have ever felt is when I was not connected with myself the way I am today. My marriage was not working out and it's sad because I think love is not constant. Everything in life is not constant. I think that was maybe the darkest phase of my life because at that point in time it was exactly the time my mum had cancer and I was losing her. I was losing everybody who was close to me. I had lost my father three years before that. I was losing friends. I was losing everything that I had worked so hard to get."
Gabriella Demetriades Became His Anchor
The actor revealed that amid the personal upheaval, model and fashion designer Gabriella Demetriades entered his life and became a source of strength and stability. "I was very lucky because I got somebody like Gabriella into my life who I think was a very strong anchor and was also coming from a space of maybe a lot of darkness as well. So we both were in the storm and we had to, like I said, weather it. But it's good, we got to weather it together and then the blessings came," said Arjun.
Arjun and Gabriella reportedly met through mutual friends in 2018. Over the years, their relationship has grown stronger, and the couple are now parents to two sons, born in 2019 and 2023. They also confirmed their engagement during an appearance on Rhea Chakraborty's podcast in December 2025.
Rebuilding Life Amid Loss
Reflecting on his journey, Arjun's comments shed light on a challenging chapter marked by personal loss, grief and major life changes. Despite the hardships, he found support in Gabriella and gradually rebuilt his life. The actor emphasized that love is not constant and everything in life changes, but having someone to weather the storm with made a significant difference.
Professional Front
On the professional front, Arjun was last seen in 'Dhurandhar' and its sequel 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', both directed by Aditya Dhar. His portrayal of the ruthless ISI agent Major Iqbal earned praise from audiences and critics alike. The actor continues to be active in the entertainment industry, taking on challenging roles that showcase his versatility.
Arjun's candid interview offers a glimpse into the personal struggles that often accompany public life, reminding fans that even celebrities face profound challenges. His story of finding love and stability after a difficult period serves as an inspiration to many.
