MUMBAI: Actor Arjun Rampal has revealed how his personal experience during the 2008 Mumbai attacks shaped his performance in filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar, describing the project as a way to channel the trauma he endured.
Speaking at the Hello! Hall of Fame Awards, Rampal recalled being in a hotel on the night of November 26, 2008, when the attacks unfolded. He said he had planned to celebrate his birthday at the Taj Hotel but was stopped from leaving as the situation escalated rapidly across the city.
The actor described the moment he first sensed something was wrong, recounting how a loud explosion shook the surroundings, followed by confusion and reports initially suggesting a gang related incident. Within a short span, the hotel was placed under lockdown as the gravity of the attacks became clear.
Rampal said witnessing the unfolding events left a lasting impact, adding that the experience stayed with him for years. When he was later narrated a sequence in Dhurandhar based on the attacks, he felt a strong personal connection to the role.
In the film, Rampal portrays a key antagonist, a character depicted as orchestrating the attacks from behind the scenes. He noted that performing the role allowed him to express emotions tied to that traumatic night.
The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Ranveer Singh. Its sequel is currently performing well at the box office.
Rampal’s remarks highlight how real-life experiences can influence artistic expression, especially in projects rooted in significant historical events.