‘They need openness, they need nature’: Why Arjun Rampal chose Goa to raise his sons

Arjun Rampal and Gabriella Demetriades have chosen a different setting for raising their two sons, Arik and Ariv. While the couple has lives around their work in Mumbai and elsewhere, they decided to bring up their children in Goa, surrounded by nature and the freedom to explore.

Their decision came into focus again after Arjun and Gabriella recently registered their marriage at the Bardez Sub-Registrar’s Office in Mapusa, North Goa. The couple, who have been together for several years, welcomed Arik in July 2019 and Ariv in July 2023.

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Speaking on the BeerBiceps podcast a few years ago, Arjun explained that the decision was about giving his sons the kind of childhood he experienced.

“They are in Goa, clean air, running around, swimming and climbing trees,” the actor said.

He spoke about how naturally active his sons had become, that they had already started cycling, climbing walls and going on treks with him. For Arjun, this freedom to explore was an important part of growing up.

The actor also recalled taking his sons on a waterfall trek in Goa, where he introduced them to Lord Shiva at the Shivling Waterfall. He explained that the rock formation at the spot resembles a giant Shivling where the water breaks in Valpoi.

For Arjun, experiences like these are more than just family outings. He believes children need to experience the outdoors and grow up with a sense of openness.

“They need openness, they need nature, they need to be shown all of that,” he said.

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Arjun Rampal on raising four children

Arjun is a father of four. Along with Arik and Ariv, he has two daughters, Mahika and Myra, from his previous marriage to Mehr Jesia.

Speaking about fatherhood, the actor described having children as “the most important thing in the world” and said their energy is “purest” and “cleanest”.

He also admitted that he might have considered having another child if raising children were not so expensive.

“If they weren't so expensive, I would have definitely had one more,” Arjun said, acknowledging that the financial responsibility only grows as children get older.

For Arjun, the value of raising children lies in giving them experiences beyond the everyday.