From Stiff Debut to National Stardom: Arjun Rampal Opens Up on His Turbulent Early Days

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Arjun Rampal is a renowned National Award-winning actor, celebrated for his powerful performances in films like Rock On and Om Shanti Om. However, his journey to stardom wasn't always smooth. In a recent interview with Grazia, Arjun reflected on his early days in the film industry, recalling the struggles he faced as a newcomer. When Arjun made his film debut in 2001 with Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat, he was heavily criticized for his stiff performances. Admitting that he 'hated' himself at the time, Arjun revealed that his background as a model, rather than an actor, made it challenging for him to adapt to the demands of the screen. His first film, Moksha, was delayed for years, further exacerbating the pressure. As Arjun transitioned from modeling to acting, he found himself at the center of attention for his looks rather than his talent. Discussing the difficulties he faced, Arjun noted that the focus on his appearance 'confused' him, making him question his place in the industry. However, with time and experience, Arjun came to realize that his physical appearance was beyond his control and that he needed to focus on developing his craft. Today, Arjun is recognized for his versatility as an actor, having won acclaim for his performances in films like D Day and Dhurandhar. He will reprise his role as a brutal ISI Major in the upcoming sequel, Dhurandhar 2, which is set to release on March 19, 2026.