Arjun Rampal Reflects On Raising Four Children, Healing From Father’s Addiction & Evolving As Dad
As he enters his early 50s, Arjun Rampal finds himself in a unique phase of fatherhood — raising children across two generations. He shares daughters Mahikaa (23) and Myra (20) with ex-wife Mehr Jesia, and sons Arik (6) and Ariv (2) with his partner Gabriella Demetriades. Reflecting on the journey of parenting, Arjun opens up about his growth as a father, the evolving nature of raising kids, and the poignant lessons drawn from his own childhood.
Speaking about how fatherhood has changed over the decades, Arjun admits the joy of becoming a parent never diminishes. “The birth of every child felt like a miracle,” he says. “With Mahikaa, I was younger and more focused on building a future. I couldn’t be as present as I wanted. But when Arik was born, I promised myself to be more hands-on.” Laughing, he adds, “I think daughters are very sweet. Sons are badmaash — full of energy! But all of them are nautankis in their own way. It’s fun.
Arjun believes that children teach you just as much as you teach them. “Parenting today is so different. You have to listen more, be more sensitive. My daughters are now independent, and I’m still learning from them,” he says. “Raising your voice doesn’t work anymore — they’ll just imitate you. You evolve with them.”
Arjun also opens up about his relationship with his father, who struggled with alcoholism. “I loved my dad. But when he became addicted to alcohol, our relationship suffered. We didn’t speak for years,” he shares. It was only later, through letters and reconciliation, that they began to reconnect — just before his father’s passing. “I took him to rehab, helped him reconnect with family… but he passed away after a heart attack. I wish we had more time.”
The experience deeply shaped Arjun’s views on parenting. “No parent sets out to fail their child. Addiction usually stems from trauma or pain. I couldn’t find out what my father went through, but I’m open with my children about it. I don’t want them to fall into that trap.”
Arjun became a father again at 50 and jokes that he’s feeling younger than ever. “It’s just a number. I take care of my health because I want to be there for my kids.” His youngest, Ariv, was born after both his parents had passed — something he sees as the universe filling a void. “My son arrived to heal me.”
Talking about Mahikaa and Myra moving abroad for studies, Arjun admits it was tough. “When Mahikaa left for London, I made sure all my shoots were in the UK. Myra’s gone now, too, and I’m proud of how responsible she’s become. Mehr deserves a lot of credit. She’s been amazing with them.”
Each of Arjun’s children holds a distinct place in his heart. “The girls had a tough time when their parents separated, but they’ve accepted Gabriella beautifully. They’re like best friends with her.” He continues warmly: “Mahikaa, as my firstborn, will always have a tender place in me. Myra has me wrapped around her finger — aloof one moment and persuasive the next. Arik is very clingy right now, so we’re super close. Ariv is a baby, just in that adorable, cuddly stage.” As for tying the knot with Gabriella, he teases, “There are some surprises on the way. Let’s leave it at that.”
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