Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal is in a special phase of life. At 51, he is raising children from two different generations. He shares two daughters — Mahikaa (23) and Myra (20) — with his ex-wife Mehr Jesia, and two young sons — Arik (6) and Ariv (2) — with his partner Gabriella Demetriades. In a heartfelt conversation, Arjun talks about how fatherhood has changed over the years, what he has learned from his kids, and how his own childhood shaped the way he parents today.
Arjun says that the joy of becoming a father never gets old. “Every time a child is born, it feels like a miracle,” he shares. When his first daughter Mahikaa was born, Arjun was still working hard to build his career. “Back then, I was younger and very focused on the future. I couldn’t always be there the way I wanted,” he admits. But when his son Arik came into his life, he made a promise to be more involved.
“Now I make sure to spend more time with my kids. Daughters are sweet, but sons are full of energy!” he laughs. “But all of them are drama queens in their own way. It’s great fun.”
Arjun also talks about how parenting has changed with time. “Today, you have to listen more and be more understanding. I’ve learned a lot from my daughters. They are independent and have taught me to evolve,” he says. “Shouting doesn’t work anymore. If you raise your voice, they’ll just do the same. You grow with your kids.”
He also opened up about his difficult relationship with his own father, who had a drinking problem. “I loved him, but alcohol ruined our bond. We didn’t speak for many years,” Arjun reveals. Later, they reconnected through letters and some emotional moments before his father passed away from a heart attack. “I helped him go to rehab and reconnect with family. But I still wish we had more time.”
This experience made Arjun more thoughtful about how he raises his own children. “No parent wants to hurt their child. Addiction often comes from pain or trauma. I don’t know what my father went through, but I talk openly about it with my kids. I want them to be aware and strong.”
Even though he became a father again at 50, Arjun says he feels younger than ever. “Age is just a number. I stay healthy because I want to be there for my children.” His youngest son Ariv was born after both his parents passed away, which Arjun sees as a sign from the universe. “He came to heal me.”
Talking about Mahikaa and Myra leaving home to study abroad, Arjun says it was emotional. “When Mahikaa moved to London, I made sure my work was there too. Now Myra has gone as well. I’m proud of how mature she has become. Mehr has done a wonderful job raising them.”
Arjun says each child has a special place in his heart. “The girls had a tough time when Mehr and I separated, but they have accepted Gabriella beautifully. They’re like best friends.” He adds warmly, “Mahikaa, being my firstborn, will always be close to my heart. Myra has me wrapped around her little finger. Arik is very attached to me right now, and Ariv is just a cute little baby who fills the house with joy.”
When asked about marrying Gabriella, Arjun smiles and says, “There are some surprises coming. Let’s keep that a secret for now.”
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