Following the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar 2, Arjun Rampal recently made headlines after attending an event where he concluded his speech with the remark, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai.’ While the statement is often considered a patriotic expression, it unexpectedly sparked controversy and drew criticism from some quarters. Scroll down to read more.
Arjun Rampal’s Girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades Comes Out In Support Of Him Amid Controversy
Writer Shobhaa De addressed the heated controversy regarding the Dhurandhar actor in her recent column for The Print, titled, ‘Why Arjun Rampal saying ’Bharat Mata ki Jai’ should worry Bollywood audiences.’ The piece soon drew the attention of Rampal’s girlfriend, Gabriella Demetriades, who strongly reacted in the comments, writing, “This is outrageous.”
Arjun Rampal’s Girlfriend Reaction To The Article
Gabriella Demetriades Comes In Support Of Arjun Rampal
Many viewers debated whether expressions like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ by public figures should be interpreted in a political or purely patriotic context. Among the critics was prominent author Shobhaa De, who penned an article taking issue with Rampal’s comment. Her critique quickly grabbed attention and became a talking point on social media.
What Was The Controversy?
Earlier, at the HELLO! Hall of Fame Awards, Arjun Rampal opened up about witnessing the horrors of the 26/11 attacks firsthand and shared how portraying them in Dhurandhar felt like a personal act of retribution. He said, “On my birthday, I saw the horrors of 26/11 play out. In the morning, when I drove back home, I had to stop at least three times because I felt like I was going to be sick. When Aditya Dhar narrated the 26/11 sequence to me, 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.” This reportedly caught the attention of author Shobhaa De, prompting her to publish an article that ignited the controversy.
Fans’ Reaction To The Controversy
The debate also spilled over to social media, where many fans expressed their disagreement with the negative reactions. One Instagram user wrote, “Wow, how does someone saying ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ become problematic to you guys? This is literally nationalism, irrespective of any religious agenda. How does being patriotic to the country one resides in become a point of contention for a select few? This is seriously mind-boggling.”
This incident has further fueled discussions about patriotism, public figures, and freedom of expression, with Rampal’s supporters emphasizing that expressing pride in one’s country should not be controversial. Despite the criticism, the actor continues to receive backing from both fans and peers, showcasing the polarizing but supportive environment surrounding his statements.
Arjun Rampal’s Upcoming Movies
Following his impactful performance in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, Arjun Rampal is gearing up to make another mark on screen with Amazon MX Player’s upcoming project. He will headline the platform’s much-anticipated series Billionaire, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta. Talking about the show, it traces the journey of a formidable business tycoon navigating a transforming India. Known for bending the rules to expand his empire, the narrative explores what unfolds when the very ambition that fuels his rise begins to engulf everything in its path.
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Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge: Mukesh Chhabra Praises Aditya Dhar’s ‘Peak Detailing’ In Casting 300 Actors In Ranveer Singh Starrer; Reveals, “It Took Two Years Of My Life”

Sonali Singh watches films like it’s a job (and honestly, it kind of is). Currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Journalism, she lives somewhere between deadlines and movie scenes. If it’s Bollywood, she’s already invested—films, drama, and all the gossip included. When she’s not writing, she’s either dancing her heart out like no one’s watching or trying to mimic people, proving that not all talents are meant to be discovered.

















