Arjun Rampal recalls why filming Dhurandhar felt personal: ‘On my birthday, I saw the horrors of the 26/11 attacks play out’

Sat Mar 28 14:30:02 UTC 2026: ### Arjun Rampal Claims Film ‘Dhurandhar’ Was His “Revenge” for 26/11 Mumbai Attacks

The Story:
Actor Arjun Rampal recently stated that his film ‘Dhurandhar’ served as his personal revenge for the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Rampal recounted his experience of being at the Four Seasons hotel on his birthday during the attacks, detailing the fear and chaos he witnessed. He expressed that enacting the 26/11 scene in ‘Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar, allowed him to confront and channel his trauma.

The article also includes insights from Sonal Khangarot, a rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, who explains the long-term psychological effects of traumatic events like 26/11. Khangarot emphasizes that trauma isn’t just a memory but a body experience, and that healing requires time, safe relationships, and gradual processing.

Key Points:

• Arjun Rampal was present at the Four Seasons hotel on November 26, 2008, his birthday, when the Mumbai attacks occurred.
• He described the experience as witnessing “the horrors of the 26/11 attack play out.”
• Rampal considers his film ‘Dhurandhar’ as his “revenge” for the attacks, particularly the enactment of the 26/11 scene.
• Psychotherapist Sonal Khangarot explains the lasting psychological impact of trauma, including hyper-alertness, stored tension, and triggered emotional reactions.
• Khangarot emphasizes the importance of processing trauma through therapy, safe relationships, and time to allow the nervous system to heal.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal experiences of trauma can significantly influence an artist’s work and creative choices.
• The 26/11 Mumbai attacks continue to have a profound and lasting impact on individuals who experienced them.
• Trauma manifests not only as memories but also as physical and emotional reactions that require professional intervention and support.
• Art can be a powerful medium for processing and expressing personal trauma.
• Healing from trauma is a gradual process that requires time, support, and professional guidance.

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