At the baby shower over the weekend, Arjun Rampal on how he’s reached a happy zone after five years of ‘sheer hell’
Khalid Mohamed (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 27, 2019)

Spring returned to Arjun Rampal’s life on Satuday while hosting a baby shower for his partner, Gabriella Demetriades, the drop-dead gorgeous model, actor and designer from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The baby is expected in late July or early August.

Twinning in summery white outfits, the camera-friendly couple was embraced and lavished with presents, ranging from homebaked cakes and bunches of pink and blue balloons to eye-catching artworks.

The invitees were cherry-picked. Of the Bollywood set only Abhishek Kapoor who designed the National Award-winning role of an angst-ridden guitarist for the actor in Rock On!, and Arjun’s cousin Kim Sharma, were spotted at the tastefully-appointed apartment in Bandra, where the actor has shifted ever since he parted from Mehr Jesia, after a marriage of almost 20 years.

Despite the blazing May sun, the guests from the corporate and fashion world grouped together essentially on the compact terrace where sangria, spritzers, wine and organic appetisers, and a low-cal lunch, did the rounds from early afternoon until late into the evening.

The visibly elated Arjun took on the role of the event’s deejay, spinning cool electronica and garage tracks, dedicating them to his daughters. Mahikaa and Myra mingled with the guests, serving canapes and ensuring the turn-out was kept in high spritzer-spirits.

For an exclusive to Mirror, Arjun was whisked away to the TV room, for an update on his professional and private lives. Reluctant initially, he admitted, “It’s been sheer hell for the last five years but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, doesn’t it?”

His production company is on the cusp of kicking off two series for streaming channels. “They are period dramas,” he added, wary of revealing details. Plus, a feature film with him in a strongly etched lead role is in the offing. Discussions are on, too, for a series with director Nikkhil Advani with whom the actor collaborated on D-Day.

Right. So where did he meet Gabriella? “Ah, that’s a question to ask,” he laughed his high-octave laugh. “We met through common friends. So, what can I say? That she stalked me? Wishful thinking that, buddy! It’s only been a year since we started dating and here we are. For keeps. And I must add that it was of prime importance that my daughters should accept her as a part of the family. I’m blessed that they have, no questions asked.”

Mahikaa, who enters her 12th year at school, could subsequently go in for film studies. Myra, his younger daughter by four years, has indicated signs of being a gifted painter. “Both are voracious readers,” dad Arjun added proudly.

It can be sensed that Arjun still has to come to terms with the tragic loss of his mother Gwen who succumbed last October to cancer after a five-year battle. “She was the axis of my life,” the son narrated. “We went everywhere for treatment, including America and Portugal. During her last days, she could converse only by raising her hand. She went away without saying a word. But she returns in my dreams and I hear her saying, ‘Don’t worry about a thing, never worry. Look after yourself.’”

Komal, the younger sister of the actor, who was also at the baby shower, said, “Arjun was in the doldrums, both of us were extremely close to mom. We’re trying to get over our loss. Thankfully, he’s in a happy space now that he’s with Gabriella. Life has to move on.” A room in the apartment, where Gwen Rampal, spent her last days, has been kept intact, with her books, clothes and pair of spectacles.

Milling with the guests, the vividly green-eyed Gabriella is gregarious, taking care to attend to every guest. I’m somewhat out of place, since I’m meeting up with Arjun after a hiatus of half-a-dozen years. Gamely, he brings up our film Tehzeeb, in which he was supposed to play a cameo. Perceiving his spontaneity and tongue-in-cheek humour -- on location in Lonavala -- his part was extended with the support of the entire team to a full-fledged role, in the company of Shabana Azmi and Urmila Matondkar. On overhearing this, Gabriella says, “Aha, I haven’t seen Arjun’s films yet… but that one I will.”

“Don’t,” I warn her. “It’s a bit artsy.”

“But those are the sort I love,” she presses another sangria on me.

Before I leave the gathering, which for once has no la-da-dah chatter and no networking, I ask Arjun if he’s wont to falling in love easily. To that he laughs, “How can you ask me that? You were just chatting with Gabriella, weren’t you? How can anyone resist falling in love with her? Now, okay please do drop by again, whenever – no agenda required.”


Nephew Adit, daughters Mahikaa, Myra with Arjun Rampal