Gulshan Devaiah reflects on Ram-Leela: Going against my instinct turned out to be right | Exclusive

Gulshan Devaiah revealed how his decision to join Ram-Leela paid off, noting, “Sometimes it’s about listening to others.”

Gulshan Devaiah in a still from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

Gulshan Devaiah is currently gearing up for the release of Ulajh a spy thriller directed by Sudhanshu Saria. The film, set to hit the big screen on August 2, 2024, features the actor alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Roshan Mathew. Just a week ahead of the release, in a candid and exclusive interview with OTTplay, Devaiah shared insights into his decision-making process when selecting roles and his career journey over the past 13 years. The actor, known for his diverse filmography and ability to embody varied characters across genres, revealed the principles guiding his choices in the industry.

Gulshan Devaiah's career evolution and versitality

Devaiah, who began his acting career in 2011, discussed the evolution of his career and the importance of time in establishing his reputation for versatility. “It took 13 years to kind of create some diversity. It takes time for people to sort of realise that I do a variety of stuff,” he noted. 

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When asked about how he decides on a role, the actor emphasised the significance of genuine interest and career growth. 

"I think genuine interest I've always thought a script or a character should sort of compel me to want to do it, and I retain that. I try my best not to lose perspective on that. And then, of course, it has to be good for my career," he explained. 

The actor went on to say, "After a point, the career is also important, because that's the point also for me, because I'm curating my career, so it has to make sense that way. Also, these are the two parameters that are really non-negotiable. The rest of them are all negotiable. But then, you know, I look into them after these two criteria. So I don't know sometimes what I'm interested in; something comes to me and I'm like, 'Oh, this is interesting. I should do it,' so then I end up doing it."

Reflecting on Ram-Leela

Reflecting on his decision to take on roles that may not initially appeal to him, Devaiah shared an anecdote about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. 

"When Ram-Leela came to me, I actually didn't think it was interesting for me, and I thought that maybe I shouldn't do it. But then that was probably one of the rare cases where I think some people who were around me at that time, my manager and my wife, said that this may be a good thing to do, and there was a director I had worked with, so he also said that 'you should do it. This would probably be interesting for you.' And they were right. So sometimes it's that also," he recounted. 

The actor added, "That's probably the only instance where I think I didn't follow; I went against my instinct, and it turned out to be right. But generally it's like I have to be compelled; I have to find something in the script or in the role that was offered to me that will compel me to do it so that, and then, as they are good for my career."

Influence of current projects

Devaiah also touched on the impact of current projects on his decision-making process. 

"Not really usually, but if there is usually, if I know that I'm part of something that has some value, that creates some value around me, I can ask for more money (laughs), I can think of. Every project is individual and different, and sometimes we have to take a price cut because every story has to be made for a particular budget. So I don't think what I'm doing right now or what I'm currently doing anyway influences me in terms of what I'm doing, perhaps to some extent in terms of my career, but I think that's not really so much of an issue," the actor concluded.

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