Arjun Rampal was born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on 26th November, 1972. His father is Amarjeet Singh Rampal and mother is Gwen Rampal, an Anglo Indian by origin. His family hails from Delhi. Both he and his sister attended Kodaikanal International School. He graduated in economics from Hindu College, New Delhi. Actress Kim Sharma is his cousin.

Arjun was a successful ramp model before joining Bollywood. He was supposed to debut in Ashok Mehta's "Moksha" in 2001, co-starring Manisha Koirala. But his second movie "Pyaar, Ishq aur Mohabbat" with Aftaab Shivdasani and Sunil Shetty released first, in 2002. Even though the films failed at the box office, his performance was lauded. He won the Face of The Year award at IIFA in 2002.

Most of Rampal's earlier movies like, Dil Hai Tumhara(2003), Ek Ajnabee(2005) and Yakeen(2005) did not succeed. Only Aankhen(2002) had managed to do well. But, Fate took a turn for the better; Don- The Chase Begins Again (2006) and Om Shanti Om (2007) with Shahrukh Khan did well at the Box Office.

He started his production house Chasing Ganesha and his first production I See You(2006) with him in the lead. The movie failed despite appearances by Hrithik Roshan and Shahrukh Khan. The commercially successful Rock On (2008) as Joe Mascarhenas fetched him the National Award and Filmfare Best Supporting Actor trophies.

Rampal is married to ex-Miss India Mehr Jessia and has two daughters with her. He co-owns a hotel LAP Lounge and Party in Delhi. He has featured in an international commercial of Schweppes Drink.