“Acting Isn’t About Being Seen It’s About Becoming”: Arjun Rampal on Finding Depth Beyond the Runway

Arjun Rampal’s journey from the glossy world of modelling to the demanding craft of acting is a story of reinventing, patience, and quiet resilience. While his striking presence once ruled the runway, Rampal’s evolution as an actor came from confronting his own limitations and slowly reshaping his relationship with the camera.

Reflecting on his early days, Rampal has often spoken about how difficult that transition truly was. Modelling, after all, operates within a controlled framework familiar commands, predictable environments, and a camera that almost becomes an ally. Acting, however, requires surrendering that control entirely. Rampal said, “When I transitioned from modelling to acting, it wasn’t smooth at all. Modelling trains you in a very specific environment the camera sounds familiar, the commands are the same, and you condition yourself to react in a particular way. I remember watching my rushes for the first time from Moksha and feeling completely stiff. Acting demands the opposite of modelling you have to forget the camera entirely and become the character. That shift took time. I’m grateful that people believed in me, gave me opportunities, and allowed me the space to grow. Those repeated chances made all the difference.”

Over the years, Arjun Rampal’s persistence has truly paid off. A strong example of this growth is his role as ISI Major Iqbal in Dhurandhar, which was widely loved by audiences. Instead of loud expressions, Rampal chose restraint and quiet intensity, making the character feel real and lived-in. There was no trace of a model performing for the camera. only an actor fully absorbed in the role. His quiet intensity and layered portrayal made Iqbal deeply memorable, and the response has only increased excitement for Dhurandhar Part 2, with fans eagerly waiting to see more of him.