Supermodel to ‘Daddy’, Arjun Rampal Has Come Into His Own & How

And how was it interacting with Arun Gawli for ‘Daddy’?

Arjun Rampal over the years.

(Photo altered by The Quint)

Arjun Rampal, once one of the country’s few supermodels is now all set to become the ‘Daddy’ of Mumbai.

The actor has stepped into the shoes of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli in the biopic Daddy. He started his journey in Bollywood in 2001 with the movie Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat and with every new role, he has only got better - becoming one of the most versatile actors of the Hindi film industry.

A look at his journey from a very successful model to Daddy, how the actor has aged over the years, and his interactions with Arun ‘Daddy’ Gawli.

Arjun Rampal in a still from one of his early films Dil Hai Tumhara.

Arjun Rampal was spotted by designer Rohit Bal, who gave him his break as a model.

Arjun  Rampal with Rohit Bal.

Arjun made his way into Bollywood in 2001 with Pyaar Ishq aur Mohabbat.

Arjun Rampal in Pyaar Ishq aur Mohabbat.

Rampal in Vaada.

Arjun Rampal at the sets of Roy in 2015.

Arjun Rampal clicks a selfie in California.

Arjun Rampal has graced the covers of several magazines.

Arjun Rampal on Femina.

Arjun Rampal at the cover page of Outlook Magzine.

And at 45, he’s still very much a looker.

Arjun Rampal walk the ramp for Bugati.

Arjun, who has done all kinds of roles in Bollywood, has attempted to do a biopic for the first time. He shares his experience of meeting Arun Gawli, the ‘Daddy’.

I met him when he was out on parole. The first few times, he was slightly skeptical and I understood that he’s reserved because of his colourful past. What I found interesting was that people called him Daddy. Usually they refer to a don as <i>Bhai</i> or Don. I realised that although dreaded, he had another side which intrigued me.

Arjun Rampal, Actor

Arjun Rampal getting ready to look like the Daddy.

Arjun Rampal on getting to know Arun Gawli.

He’s not flamboyant, doesn’t go to dance bars and blow up money on bar girls and mistresses. He’s spent half his life in jail but is a god-fearing, family man. One thing that stood out in his meeting with Gawli is the fact that despite the menacing image and the fact that he was part of the underworld, he was a god-fearing man. He didn’t fear the cops or the rival gangs, but he definitely had a fear of God. At home, there are photographs of gods everywhere, he is always praying. After a few meetings, he started opening up to me. I assured him that it wouldn’t be a propaganda story, I wanted to tell it the way it is, in a realistic manner. His consent convinced me this was a man with self-confidence.

Arjun Rampal with the real Daddy.

Arjun Rampal worked hard to get the look of Daddy right.