Bollywood actor and model Arjun Rampal is celebrated for his on-screen performances, but off-screen, he cherishes his most significant role: being a father to four children. His journey of parenthood, spanning two decades, offers a candid look into modern celebrity parenting, blending love, learning, and conscious evolution.
Arjun Rampal's Blended Family: Meet His Four Children
Arjun Rampal is a proud father to four kids from different chapters of his life. From his first marriage to Mehr Jesia, he has two daughters: Mahikaa Rampal, aged 23, and Myra Rampal, aged 20. With his current partner, model and designer Gabriella Demetriades, he has two young sons: Arik Rampal, who is 6 years old, and Arav Rampal, who is 2. This blended family is at the heart of his personal world, where each relationship holds a unique place.
Fatherhood Philosophy: From Authority to a Friend
In recent reflections, Arjun Rampal has emphasized that fatherhood has been a profound teacher. He consciously adopts a style that prioritizes being a supportive friend over a strict authority figure. He believes in granting his children independence and maintaining open channels of communication. "My daughters are my support system," he often says, expressing pride in their self-reliance.
He notes that the parent-child dynamic naturally evolves as children grow older, a change he has witnessed firsthand. A significant aspect of their family harmony is the strong bond his daughters share with Gabriella Demetriades, something he actively encourages to ensure everyone feels comfortable and connected.
Different Energies: Sweet Daughters and 'Badmaash' Sons
Arjun enjoys the distinct personalities each child brings. He fondly describes his daughters as "sweet" and his sons as "badmaash" (mischievous), reveling in the unique energy they contribute to the family. He finds special meaning in being more present for his young son Arik than he could be for his daughters during their early years, a priority he now consciously upholds.
This shift underscores a major lesson for Rampal: prioritizing emotional presence over mere physical availability. He admits his busy career once limited his time with his kids. Now, he places family at the forefront, striving to provide a deep sense of security and understanding. For him, fatherhood transcends exercising authority; it is about guiding, encouraging, and developing together with his children.
Learning from the Past: A Father's Shadow and a Son's Motivation
Arjun Rampal's approach to parenting is deeply influenced by his own childhood experiences. He has openly discussed how his father's battle with alcoholism created a rift in their relationship. Although he later helped his father seek treatment and reconnect with the family, his father ultimately passed away due to a heart attack. This painful chapter fundamentally altered Arjun's perspective on parenting and addiction.
This awareness extended to his own habits. Arjun, a former smoker, revealed that it was his son Arik who motivated him to quit. "My son Arik helped me and motivated me to stop smoking," he shared, driven by the desire to safeguard his health for his family's sake.
Parenting Principles for the Modern World
In today's era, where celebrity lives are closely watched, Arjun Rampal's genuine sharing of his parenting journey resonates. Many look up to such figures for inspiration on family values. His style underscores the importance of emotional support, quality time, and open communication over rigid control.
His story highlights that a father's relationship with his children is indeed priceless. It is built on enjoying their happiness, offering unconditional love, and thoughtfully granting their needs while providing a stable foundation. Arjun Rampal's journey as a father of four is a testament to learning, adapting, and cherishing the irreplaceable role of family.
