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28 March 2024

Arjun Rampal heads to Dubai... secret meeting with Shah Rukh Khan?

Arjun Rampal and Shah Rukh Khan poses for a portrait before the premiere of the Bollywood film 'RA.One' at the Montcalm Hotel on October 25, 2011 in London, England. (GETTY/GALLO)

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By Bindu Suresh Rai

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal has announced to the world he’s currently in Dubai, days ahead of his friend (once again) Shah Rukh Khan’s arrival, who will be here on Thursday to promote ‘Chennai Express’ and celebrate iftar with fans.

Is a clandestine meeting for a catch-upon the cards, away from prying eyes, one wonders.

Rampal took to Twitter on Monday to tweet out: “En route to Dubai, looking forward to just spending some chill time, with great Lebanese food, shisha and friends.”

The actor has not mentioned how long he plans on staying, but if a meeting with Khan is on the cards, media and fans are not likely to hear about it considering the reports that Rampal has become extremely superstitious and secretive about his renewed friendship with the superstar.

The one-time best buds, who even starred together in the Khan produced ‘Ra.One’, which hosted its world premiere in Dubai back in 2011, allegedly fell out in the aftermath of the film’s debacle, with reports out that Rampal wasn’t too pleased with the final cut of his screen time in the sci-fi flick.

Reportedly, the final straw came when the rumour mills were abuzz in Bollywood of a certain Priyanka Chopra’s alleged affair with Khan that didn’t go down well with Rampal and wife Mehr, who are very close to the superstar’s wife Gauri.

However, last year, news filtered out that the actors had patched up, but neither one has spoken much about the renewed bond.

Earlier this year, Rampal gave a cryptic reply to the press when quizzed about the relationship, saying: “I am close to a lot of people and I believe in the evil eye.

“Whenever I talk about my friendships and relationships in public, things seem to go bad. Perhaps, it’s the pressure to live up to people’s expectations or simply because others make it a talking point.

“For me, friendship is a personal matter and that’s the way it should remain.”

Business at hand?


Meanwhile, last year, Rampal had exclusively told Emirates 24|7 that he was also keen on bringing his LAP club and lounge to Dubai in the near future.

The actor said at the time: “I am definitely looking at bringing the LAP to Dubai and have spoken to several local investors in regards to this.

“The city is a perfect fit for LAP, which has positioned itself as a home to some of the top nightclub and lounge franchises in the world.”

While no timeframe has been set for LAP’s entry into Dubai’s hospitality sector, Rampal is confident it should be within a year.

“LAP’s concept is a perfect fit for all those countries that host the F1 Grand Prix, be it the UAE of Singapore,” Rampal added.

Unveiled three years ago, LAP is Rampal’s first entrepreneurial venture, in partnership with the noted restaurateur AD Singh, and has previously hosted a private concert by none other than Lady Gaga.

Would a deal finally be in the works? Only time will tell.