Amid the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Arjun Rampal landed in controversy after ending a speech at an event with the remark 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. While commonly seen as a patriotic expression, the statement unexpectedly drew criticism from some quarters. Amid the backlash, writer Shobhaa De weighed in through her column, questioning the remark. This prompted a strong reaction from Rampal’s girlfriend, Gabriella Demetriades, who came out in his support and slammed the criticism, calling it 'outrageous'.
(Image: Instagram)
What is the controversy?
While attending the Hello! Hall of Fame Awards, Arjun Rampal recalled, "On November 26, 2008, I was in this hotel (Four Seasons, Worli). I’d come to pick up my friends, and we were on our way to Taj because we were going there to celebrate my birthday. One guy was getting ready…God bless him. We were at the bar, we ordered a drink, and the first bomb went off near Mahim. I heard that sound, and my glass shook. We were like ‘What the hell was that?'"
"Within 10 minutes, our phones were ringing, and everybody said there’s some gang war that has broken out in Colaba, and we were asked not to go there. In 20 to 30 minutes, the whole Four Seasons was cordoned off. We were allowed to stay in the hotel that night and were asked not to go out as it was not safe. On my birthday, I saw the horrors of the 26/11 attacks play out," he further added.
Recommended For You
ALSO READ: ‘I Hear Only Praises’: Aamir Khan Applauds Dhurandhar Success At Delhi Film Festival 2026
Rampal said, "In the morning, when I drove back home, I stopped at least three times because I thought I was going to be sick. When Aditya Dhar narrated to me the 26/11 scene, I knew I was going to have my revenge, and that’s what I did with Dhurandhar. All I want to say is ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’."
The controversy surrounding Arjun Rampal also spilled onto social media, where many fans defended him and questioned why a patriotic remark became an issue. The debate has since sparked wider discussions on nationalism and freedom of expression, with Rampal continuing to receive strong support despite the criticism.