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29 March 2024

Exclusive: Dubai may groove in the ‘LAP’ of luxury with Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal (GETTY/GALLO)

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By Bindu Suresh Rai

Even as Arjun Rampal looks set to make his big debut as a DJ at ‘LAP’ this weekend for the New Delhi F1 Grand Prix after-party, the Bollywood actor admits he is also courting investors to bring his exclusive hospitality concept to Dubai.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, the 39-year-old said: “I am definitely looking at bringing the LAP hospitality franchise 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, Singapore or India,” 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.

The members’ only property at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi employees a screening committee comprising eminent names for guests seeking membership; plus, names can only be proposed by an existing LAP member.

Meanwhile, the décor itself comprises Swarovski studded tables designed Rampal’s posse of glamorous friends, including Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri, along with designers Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal.

When further quizzed, Rampal revealed: “A couple of offers have already come my way from Dubai, but I am waiting for the right people to sign on with.”

The actor, whose political thriller “Chakravyuh” releases in UAE cinemas today, confessed that the idea of LAP stemmed from his love for dabbling in different, creative concepts.

“That is why I launched a signature fragrance, dabbled in the telecom sector and opened LAP,” came the humble response. “In fact, I love music and the concept of my club is an extension of my personality.”

As for the actor’s DJing abilities, and he stated: “Ask any of my close friends and they will tell you I simply love music. I usually do DJ at my own parties, but no, I have never done a public performance as yet.”

So with his debut at spinning the decks this weekend, would Rampal be competing with Bollywood’s other breakthrough artiste, Priyanka Chopra, who recently launched her own music album, ‘In My City’?

The actor laughed and said: “There’s no way I can do a Priyanka. She’s a great singer and I just like to mix when my mood demands it.”

The actor, a music aficionado, will play DJ on Sunday’s finale night, which will see British electronic dance music producer Gareth Emery and The Electroverts.