After establishing a notable presence in Hindi cinema for over a decade, actor Gulshan Devaiah is now captivating audiences in the south. His journey into regional cinema is gaining momentum with a successful Kannada debut and exciting new projects in Telugu and Tamil.
From Social Media Banter to Tollywood Debut
A casual online interaction unexpectedly paved the way for Gulshan Devaiah's entry into Telugu films. During a social media Ask Me Anything session, a fan questioned if he would consider a Telugu project. "I joked that I'd only do one if Samantha said yes," Gulshan recalled in a recent interview with Hyderabad Times.
This light-hearted remark soon turned into reality. A few months later, director Raj Nidimoru approached him for a film produced by Samantha Ruth Prabhu's home banner. "They narrated the story and my role, and everything immediately felt right," he said. The project, titled Maa Inti Bangaram, is directed by Nandini Reddy. Having previously collaborated with Raj Nidimoru on Guns and Gulaabs, Gulshan found the collaboration natural and fulfilling a long-held desire to work with Samantha.
Mastering Language and Cherishing Memories
Preparing for his Telugu debut has involved dedicated language training. Despite growing up in Bengaluru with exposure to multiple languages, Gulshan is focused on perfecting his Telugu accent. "I've hired a tutor and am currently practising Telugu," he shared. The film's use of sync sound has made this preparation crucial. "It's a bit challenging, but I'm ready to put in the effort," he affirmed.
His connection to Hyderabad, the heart of the Telugu film industry, dates back to 2005. He first visited the city to perform in a play titled Butter and Mashed Banana. Exploring Charminar and the bustling streets left a lasting impression. "The city was vibrant, bustling, colourful, and full of energy. That first trip remains one of my fondest memories," he reminisced.
Chance Encounters and the Pan-India Wave
Gulshan's foray into Kannada cinema with the much-anticipated Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 also began serendipitously. "Back in 2019, I met Rishab Shetty by chance at a dosa joint in Malleshwaram," he revealed. Although an earlier script discussion didn't materialize, destiny reunited them for Kantara Chapter 1, where Gulshan played the role of Kulashekara, an experience he deeply cherished.
The actor is an enthusiastic advocate for the rising trend of pan-Indian cinema. He believes this shift is permanent and beneficial. "Audiences across the country now have access to quality films," he stated, pointing out that the lockdown period broke down language barriers for viewers.
He cited examples like Pushpa and Mahanati, which demonstrated the power of compelling storytelling. Highlighting a significant business insight, he noted, "The Hindi market contributed to about 60% of Pushpa's overall earnings." For Gulshan, pan-India releases represent a win-win scenario. "They benefit both the business and the art of cinema. They allow stories from different languages to reach a broader audience while elevating the craft itself," he concluded.
Alongside his Telugu debut, Gulshan is also working on a Tamil film with actor R Madhavan, further solidifying his presence across major South Indian film industries.
