Gulshan Devaiah, who made a powerful debut in Kannada cinema with the blockbuster 'Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1', has finally spoken about the recent controversy involving Bollywood star Ranveer Singh. The actor, who played King Kulashekhara in the film, also opened up about his experience of working with director and co-star Rishab Shetty.
Devaiah's Take on the Ranveer Singh Backlash
In a recent interview with NDTV, Gulshan Devaiah addressed the incident where Ranveer Singh imitated the film's sacred 'Daiva' (divine spirit) character, which led to significant public backlash and a subsequent apology from Singh. Devaiah offered a balanced perspective on the matter.
"My personal views are not popular views. I really don’t get affected by such things so much," Devaiah stated. He acknowledged the sentiments of those who were hurt, saying, "If somebody feels disrespected or something, I understand. Ranveer apologised as well. Let’s take it with that."
The actor emphasized that only Ranveer knew his true intent and suggested that people can make mistakes in moments of excitement. He contextualized the strong reaction by explaining, "I think it is part of certain people’s identity, those who belong to the Tulu community and live in that land. From their perspective, it is correct." His concluding advice was to accept the apology and move forward.
For context, Ranveer Singh had posted a public apology on social media, clarifying, "My intention was to highlight Rishab’s performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene the way he did." He reiterated his deep respect for all cultures and traditions and offered a sincere apology if anyone's sentiments were hurt.
Praise for Rishab Shetty and the 'Kantara' Experience
Shifting focus to his work on the film itself, Gulshan Devaiah had nothing but immense praise for Rishab Shetty, the film's director and lead actor. He described the collaboration as "superb" and highlighted a key trait he admires in Shetty.
"His ability to handle stress is amazing. It’s his greatest strength, and I admire it," Devaiah revealed. He spoke fondly of their working relationship, noting, "We had a wonderful equation, and there is a mutual admiration for each other."
Devaiah expressed happiness for Shetty's well-deserved success, attributing it to his strong work ethic. "I am so happy he is in the position that he is in. He is incredibly ambitious and hardworking, and he has the willingness to deal with pressure," he added.
The Enduring Impact of 'Kantara'
'Kantara' remains one of the biggest cinematic hits of the year, a fact that adds weight to this ongoing discourse. The film, starring Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth in pivotal roles, continues to resonate with audiences far beyond its release. Gulshan Devaiah's own performance as King Kulashekhara was widely appreciated, marking a successful entry into Sandalwood for the versatile actor.
The recent controversy and subsequent discussions underscore the deep cultural and emotional connection the film has forged, particularly with the Tuluva community whose traditions it portrays. Devaiah's comments reflect a nuanced understanding of this connection while advocating for grace and understanding in resolving such public disputes.
