Dhurandhar's Arjun Rampal recalls hearing 'BOMB BLAST' on 26/11 night, says, 'My glass SHOOK'

Arjun Rampal plays Major Iqbal in Dhurandhar, a character shown as one of the key figures linked to the planning behind the 26/11 attacks. The role is written as a central part of the film’s narrative, placing him among the main forces driving the story forward. The film and its sequel position this character as a major link to the events being depicted.

The role also connects to a real moment from Rampal’s own life. He has spoken about being in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, the night the attacks began, which also happened to be his birthday. What was meant to be a celebration with friends turned into a night of uncertainty.

Recalling that evening, he said, "On November 26, 2008, I was in this hotel. I'd come to pick up my friends and we were on our way to Taj because we were going there to celebrate my birthday. One guy was getting ready, God bless him. We were at the bar, we ordered a drink and the first bomb went off near Mahim. I heard that sound and my glass shook. We were like 'What the hell was that?''

As the situation developed, more information began coming in. He said, "Within 10 minutes, our phones were ringing and everybody said there's some gang war that has broken in Colaba and we were asked not to go there. In 20 to 30 minutes the whole Four Seasons was cordoned off. We were allowed to stay in the hotel that night and were asked not to go out as it was not safe. On my birthday, I saw the horrors of 26/11 attacks play out."

Within 10 minutes, our phones were ringing and everybody said there's some gang war that has broken in Colaba and we were asked not to go there. In 20 to 30 minutes the whole Four Seasons was cordoned off. We were allowed to stay in the hotel that night and were asked not to go out as it was not safe. On my birthday, I saw the horrors of 26/11 attacks play out.

- Arjun Rampal

He also spoke about the next morning and how he felt afterward, saying, "In the morning when I drove back home, I stopped ta least three times because I thought I was going to be sick. When Aditya Dhar narrated to me the 26/11 scene, I knew I was going to have my revenge and that's what I did with Dhurandhar. All I want to say is 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'."

He later mentioned that when Aditya Dhar narrated scenes related to 26/11, it brought back memories of that night, which he drew from while working on Dhurandhar.