Bombay Times turns 30! Arjun Rampal looks back at the 90s as he transitioned from being a model to an actor (original) (raw)

Supermodel of the 90s, Arjun Rampal, made a successful transition into movies. He gives us a glimpse into the modelling scene back then and talks about designer Rohit Bal’s influence on his career...
I moved to Mumbai in 1993, and the following year, Bombay Times was launched. One of its standout features was Page 3, which quickly became a sought-after space. It offered a fresh perspective on urban India, showcasing a side of the city that had never been highlighted before. Being featured on Page 3 felt like a significant accomplishment. Meanwhile, Bombay Times itself evolved rapidly, just like my own journey began after moving from Delhi.

Arjun Rampal from the 90s

Back in the 90s, modelling wasn’t seen as a serious career. Even I didn’t know where it would take me. I was doing it because I enjoyed it. I had the privilege of meeting incredibly creative individuals like Gudda (Rohit Bal), Bharat Sikka, Prabuddha Dasgupta, Rafique Sayed, Shahab Durazi and Tarun Tahiliani. Slowly, respect for the profession grew, and a fan following began to form. People started attending fashion shows not just for the designers, but to see the models. This was when fashion truly came into the spotlight, with designers establishing themselves and the supermodel culture emerging from the West. It was a golden era for fashion editorials. Even legends (American photographers) like Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon and Steven Meisel were pushing boundaries.

Arjun Rampal and Rohit Bal

One of the most influential people in my modelling career was Gudda. Without his support, I’m not sure I would have made it to where I am today. He recognised something in me and made me his muse for a long time. Oddly enough, my mother and his sister-in-law had gone to school together, which added another layer of comfort to our collaboration. The three of us — Gudda, Bharat (Sikka) and I — created some of the most talked-about fashion shoots of that time. Gudda not only taught me about grooming and styling but also about how to stand in front of the camera with confidence. Coming from a small town, I had no knowledge of the industry, but his mentorship was invaluable. Gudda remained a constant presence in both Bombay Times and Delhi Times. It’s sad that he’s no longer with us.
The era was also significant for me personally, as I made the transition from modelling to acting. I was shooting a commercial with Shekhar Kapur when he suggested that I consider acting. He told me that my modelling career had reached its peak and that it might be time to train as an actor. Making the transition into acting wasn’t easy. In the 90s, there was a significant stigma that models can’t act. The pressure was immense. However, one film led to another and then, there was no looking back.