‘Rishab wrote the part for me. How could I say no?’

Mona

As Kantara Chapter 1 storms the box office and wins hearts across languages, one of the standout performances in the film is that of Gulshan Devaiah as Raja Kulashekara — a character he describes as “a worthless, drunk.” But behind the darkly comic self-description is a performance that adds depth to Rishab Shetty’s world — one Gulshan almost didn’t have to audition for.

“This is my first Kannada feature film,” Gulshan confirms. “I did a couple of TV episodes back in the day, when I used to live in Bengaluru — but yeah, Kantara is my proper debut.”

And how did he land the part? “Rishab wrote it for me,” he says, matter-of-factly. “We’ve known each other since 2019. At that time, I didn’t know much about him, but I liked him instantly. He had this spark — he is passionate about his stories. We discussed some projects, even started one that didn’t take off due to the lockdown. But then Kantara happened and his life changed, he called me one day and said, ‘We’ve written something for you.’ I heard the narration, and I thought, if I say no to this, it will be a stupid idea. So, I don’t want to feel stupid in my own eyes.” It’s rare to have roles written with an actor in mind, and Gulshan is pretty aware of that. “Rishab didn’t write it because he wanted me to play it a certain way — he wrote it because he knew I’d take it and make something out of it.”

So what was it like working with the now-acclaimed Rishab Shetty? “It’s a mix of professional and personal admiration,” Gulshan shares. “I really respect him — his drive, sincerity, the way he multitasks. He’s taken on such a large-scale project, and to juggle so much. As a director, he gives you a lot of freedom.”

Despite his indifference to box office numbers, Gulshan was struck by the audience response. “I went for a theatre visit, this was special. The way people connect to the divine in the film is very personal. It’s not just a movie to them, it’s something deeper.” On Raja Kulashekara, “People like him should never get power,” Gulshan laughs. “He’s a Raja because his father crowned him Raja. He’s a character who should never be in power — because people like him will destroy the world.”

Life between Bengaluru & Mumbai

Gulshan spent 30 years in the city before moving to Mumbai — a shift he doesn’t regret. “I don’t miss living there. I like Mumbai better. Though some people might be surprised by that.” He sure misses food at times. “Sometimes. But now Benne Dosa is available in Mumbai too — there’s a Karnataka Tiffin Room right opposite my house!”

Craft is the same, application changes

With a strong background in theatre, transitioning to films wasn’t a jarring change for Gulshan. “It’s about opportunity. You start with small roles, build trust with directors, and move up. The craft remains the same. What changes is the application. Theatre is a flow. Film is start-stop. But the core of acting — that doesn’t change.” His design training (Gulshan studied fashion) also gives him a unique edge. “Understanding aesthetics, space, framing — it all helps. Fashion isn’t just clothes. It’s design. And those principles are universal.”

No wishlist, just Sriram Raghavan

When asked if there’s a dream director or wishlist, Gulshan is quick to respond: “Only one. Sriram Raghavan. I even told him — ‘Please write something for me.’ He hasn’t yet,” he says. “I like being surprised. No wishlist means you’re open to being pushed in different directions.”

What’s next for Gulshan?

“There’s a mix,” he says. “Some season twos, a film, and a couple of projects I’m currently shooting. I don’t want to say too much yet — but I’m doing both feature and long formats.” Does he prefer one over the other? “Emotionally, cinema. No logic — just childhood conditioning. But series have been great for my career, and I enjoy them a lot. I only wish they were shown on the big screen too!”

Chandigarh looks like nothing else

Though he hasn’t shot there, Gulshan has fond memories of performing in Chandigarh’s theatre festivals. “It looks like nothing else,” he says. “You can’t compare it. The architecture, the layout — it’s unique. The first time you go, you think — why does everything look the same? But once you get used to it, you appreciate it.”

Candid, witty, and deeply committed to his craft, Gulshan Devaiah is in a phase of creative expansion. Whether on OTT or in a pan-India hit like Kantara Chapter 1, he’s showing us that even the so-called ‘bad guys’ can steal the scene — especially when they’re played by someone who truly gets the character arc!

Lifestyle