Caught in Karjat with family amid the lockdown, Arjun Rampal on keeping his tot away from state's hotspots amid pandemic
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 22, 2020)

Not many can convert life's lemons to lemonades as seamlessly as Arjun Rampal can. Caught in Karjat where he was shooting when the lockdown was announced last month, the actor decided to extend his stay at his lavish home, instead of scurry back to Mumbai.

"I thought it would be better to operate from here instead of travel at this point. I have a house here, so it worked out well," says Rampal, who is accompanied by partner Gabriella Demetriades and their son, Arik.

That Karjat has, so far, remained largely unscathed by Coronavirus was another bonus. "We decided to stay back for my son's safety. While he is too young now, this will be a story to tell him when he grows older. Besides, Mumbai is just a few hours away, and hence, easily accessible in case of an emergency."

Spending two months in the lap of nature has converted him into "a farmer", of sorts, he jokes, adding that his family is making the most of the hiatus. "Since there are no cases here, we are secure. We have an open space and [are enjoying] being amid nature instead of confined to an apartment," says the actor, adding that he is also keeping tabs on his daughters Mahikaa and Myra, who are with ex-wife Mehr in Mumbai. "They are doing their work online, and I am constantly chatting with them."

BOMBAY TIMES (July 29, 2019)

Congratulations and good wishes poured in for Arjun Rampal and Gabriella Demetriades as they revealed the name of their son, who was born on July 18. The two named the newborn Arik Rampal and Arjun wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram for ‘junior Rampal’. He wrote, “That gracious thing made of tears, of happiness, gratitude and light. A rainbow appeared into our lives. So blessed we feel, gratitude and abundance of joy. Welcome junior Rampal, into our lives. Thank you all for your graciousness, love and beautiful wishes. Say hello to baby Arik Rampal.”

The post was accompanied by a picture of Arik gently wrapping his hand around his proud father’s finger. Arjun and South African model Gabriella announced the pregnancy back in April with a social media post.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 19, 2019)

Rumours that Arjun Rampal and partner Gabriella Demetriades had become parents started doing the rounds when the duo was spotted at a suburban hospital on Wednesday afternoon. The model-actress-designer’s parents flew in from South Africa earlier this week. Early on Thursday, the couple welcomed their son.

“Gabriella’s parents were at the hospital on Thursday morning, they left a little after noon, escorted by Arjun. His daughters, Mahikaa and Myra, were by their daddy’s side all day. Arjun’s friends will start visiting soon. Gabriella is expected to be discharged by Friday or Saturday,” informs a source close to the couple.

On Wednesday, Mirror had reached out to Arjun telling him we had heard that good news is on the way and that our prayers are with the two of them. He responded on Thursday, saying, “Thank you.”

In April this year, Arjun had posted a picture with a visibly pregnant Gabriella stating, “Blessed to have you and start all over again. Thank you baby for this baby.” In May, he hosted a baby shower for her at his Bandra residence where he had shifted since he parted with Mehr Jesia, after almost 20 years of marriage.

In an interview to Mirror (May 27) Arjun had revealed that he had met Gabriella through common friends. “It’s only been a year since we started dating and here we are. For keeps,” he had exulted.

Arjun’s Paltan director J P Dutta’s daughter Nidhi was among the first to congratulate him on Twitter. Speaking to us, she added, “Arjun gave me the news this morning. He’s over the moon. I’m so happy for him. Since Paltan, I have been very close to him and his family. So, it’s been a day of calling and congratulating each other. I will be visiting them today.”
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