Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 28, 2020)

Gabriella Demetriades came to Mumbai from South Africa to fulfil her dreams of starting a fashion line. Little did she know that this city would become her home, and she would comfortably settle down here with a partner and child. While she made a splash in the modelling world, she even did brief roles in a few Indian movies. In the midst of this, she met Arjun Rampal and their relationship blossomed over time. Around April 2019, they surprised everyone when Arjun posted a lovely picture of him with Gabriella showing her baby bump, with the message, “Blessed to have you and start all over again…thank you baby for this baby.” Now, while Gabriella is busy expanding her clothing line, she is also a hands-on mommy to seven-month-old baby boy, Arik. In a candid chat with Bombay Times, she talks about how she met Arjun, her thoughts on marriage and the way she’s made India her home. Excerpts:

What prompted you to pack your bags and move to India?
I’ve always had this ambition to be a successful fashion designer, like my mother. I began as an assistant stylist in South Africa. Later, a photographer spotted me and told me that I should try modelling. I looked at it as an opportunity to make money which I could use to fund my business. It was also a gateway to make contacts with people associated with the business, like models, photographers and other designers. During the process, I happened to meet someone from an Indian modelling agency in South Africa. He told me that I should come down to India as I would get great modelling opportunities here.

So, your prime motivation was to set up your fashion line, and not make your way into Bollywood as an actress? In the past, women from other countries have come to India to pursue a career in the movies...
Acting and Bollywood were never my aspiration, but fashion was. When I came to Mumbai, I didn’t even know what Bollywood was. While I was doing modelling here, my agent suggested that I try acting in a Bollywood movie. I had heard about the creepy side of Bollywood with women going through bad experiences. I was aware of it and was careful. When I was offered Sonali Cable (2014), I took the plunge. I liked the treatment that I received from the Sippy family (Ramesh and Rohan Sippy, the makers of the film). I had a great time with my co-stars on the set, too. I loved being in front of the camera, but the glitch was the language. I am very bad at learning new languages. Getting my lines in Hindi right, with hundreds of people staring at me, was very scary. I thought that maybe, this is not where I was supposed to be. But before deciding to quit movies, I wanted to be sure. So, I did a film down South with Nagarjuna and Tamannaah (Oopiri, 2016). It was an amazing experience, but language continued to be a big barrier. Finally, I bid adieu to movies. I am a creative person and I like to keep myself busy. So, I soon started my clothing line, which grew over a period of time.

While you were busy building a career here, how did you happen to meet Arjun Rampal?
We have a few mutual friends, so, I ended up meeting him at social occasions along the way. The first time I met him was in 2018. We hit it off from there, and with time, the relationship blossomed into something meaningful. Arjun is a gentleman. Our love for work, creativity, ambition and fitness are the things that we have in common. We both are also very family oriented.

Arjun is an actor and a producer, has there been any discussion on you getting back to the movies?
He tells me that I am a bad actor (laughs!). I doubt he has seen any of my movies. In fact, he has been very supportive towards my fashion endeavour. He has been a supermodel himself for many years and is incredibly stylish. He has a great taste in fashion and is always on the lookout for what I am creating and wearing. I value his opinion. Having said that, we don't mix our workspace or interfere in each other’s profession.

How has Arjun helped you in adapting to the culture and life in Mumbai?
Since I am from another country, I would feel lost and left out during the festive season, as I couldn’t understand what was going on. Arj is a proud Indian and he celebrates all festivals. It is only after I started spending time with him that I celebrated Holi, Diwali and other festivals. Before that, I was clueless about these celebrations. What I like about India is that it embraces and accommodates people from all over the world.

You fondly call him Arj, what does he call you?
(Laughs!) This is a South African thing. We kind of abbreviate everything. Back home, my family and friends call me Gab. Arjun doesn’t call me Gab, as he loves my name, so he calls me Gabriella.

Arjun and you decided to have a child without tying the knot. This is still a rarity in our country. Weren’t you worried about societal pressures?
We wanted to keep things private. Also, I am very different in that sense. I don’t think you necessarily have to get married. I think there is no ‘one way’ to always do something; to each their own. Yes, there is societal pressure, but personal choices are important. When it comes to deciding what gender you want to be, who you want to date or marry, it should be left to the individual or individuals concerned. Just like in other parts of the world, people here, too, are opening up and accepting others’ choices. I have always been accepting of others and their choices, so hopefully, the world will accept mine.

What do you think about the institution of marriage?
I don’t have a strong opinion about it. It is just my choice. I don’t think we need to be so serious about everything. I don’t think love is something that needs a definition or a rulebook. Times are changing and people are more accepting today. I don’t think that people are categorising any one particular way of living as the right way anymore.

What are Arjun’s thoughts on this? Have you discussed the idea of tying the knot, if not right away, but probably someday?
It is a topic that doesn’t really come up between us.

You named your son Arik, who came up with that name?
In Sanskrit, Arik means ruler of rulers. We were looking for a name that’s easy to pronounce. I think it is a very strong name that is short and easy to pronounce for my family and friends who are not from India. I wanted to name him Ari, which is a Hebrew name. Then, Arjun came up with the name Arik.

Are both of your very hands-on with him?
Motherhood is a full-time job, and I am happy about how Arjun and I divide the work when it comes to the baby and help each other out.