Gulshan Devaiah: Artistes should not be boxed in or defined by categories

Known for his nuanced performances and instinctive choices, Gulshan Devaiah has built a career defined by curiosity and creative freedom. After over a decade in Hindi cinema, he has made his Kannada debut with Kantara: Chapter 1, playing King Kulashekara.

Sharing his experience, he says, “I am a fan of the first film and of its maker, Rishab Shetty, so being part of a project that celebrates local cultural beliefs so powerfully is special. Playing King Kulashekara was both challenging and deeply fulfilling. It reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place: to explore different worlds, feel deeply, and connect with audiences no matter where they come from. Kannada is the language I grew up speaking, as I am a native of Karnataka, so this project feels like the beginning of a new chapter for me.

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Reflecting on his journey, he adds, “For me, being an actor goes far beyond labels. Art should not have barriers of language or geography. I have never believed in confining myself to a particular industry or genre. Whether it is Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, or any other language, my approach remains the same: to be true to the character and the story. Artistes should not be boxed in or defined by categories. My craft is universal, and that is the beauty of cinema.

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Gulshan, who has appeared in films such as Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Badhaai Do, as well as web series including Guns & Gulaabs, and Bad Cop, earned a positive response for his portrayal of Devi Lal Singh in Dahaad. When asked how life and work have changed professionally after Dahaad, he says, “It has been steady growth since my debut in 2011. I mostly get offered villain roles, and Dahaad has helped shift that perception a bit.

I am being ‘dad-zoned’ more now (laughs!).” On being selective about his projects, he explains, “I have always been selective, even during my auditioning days. I often skipped auditions for roles I did not feel connected to. I do not follow any lists or have preconceived ideas about what I want to do. My rule of thumb is simple: the project should genuinely interest me and contribute positively to my career.”