Actor Gulshan Devaiah is currently making headlines for Ulajh, his next film. In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, he talks about his friendship with Janhvi Kapoor on the set, Ulajh’s character traits, preparations and a host of other topics.
Aarti Sreenath
In his latest film, Ulajh, actor Gulshan Devaiah delves into a world of complex political themes and international intrigue. Ulajh marks a bold new direction for the Hunterrr fame, stepping away from the familiar projects that have earned him stardom. This fresh venture promises to reveal a different side of the actor, highlighting his versatility and talent.
When asked what drew him to his role in this project, Devaiah said, “I liked the part that was offered to me in the film. I felt it was a great idea and good for my career, so I agreed. The perspective that Sudhanshu had for the film was also compelling.”
Working alongside Janhvi Kapoor, he described the on-set dynamic as strictly professional. “The dynamic was to the point. We would come, do the scene, do multiple takes and that was it. It was a professional setup and there is a tendency for people to misunderstand this. We got along fine; we just didn’t vibe in the manner that we didn’t chit-chat or spend time with each other. It’s not necessary to vibe personally as long as the job is done professionally and Janhvi is very good at that,” he explained.
The Shaitan actor went ahead to praise the on-screen chemistry, evident in their scenes together, as he said, “The song is out and you can see there is a lot of chemistry that we have. For two people who don’t really vibe, we are doing a pretty good job. It’s nice if we get along with somebody, but it’s not necessary. It’s only necessary for two people to do their job professionally, which I think she is good at. Janhvi is professional and hardworking as an actor.”
On choosing his roles, he said, “I like to do different films, both consciously and unconsciously. I like to have diversity and versatility in my roles. Ulajh fulfills those factors and I thought the film was good for my career too.”
Known for his intense and layered performances, he finds it easy to unwind and detach from his roles once a project is completed. “In life, I’m not that intense. I’m very laid-back and casual and I’m also lazy. It’s not really a challenge for me to separate reel life from real life,” he admitted.
Preparing for the physical demands of Ulajh involved some unique challenges, like, “I had to do pull-ups for a scene, so I installed a pull-up bar at home and practiced for two to three months. I still struggle with it, but the director wanted at least four or five pull-ups for the scene.”
Working with various directors has also influenced Devaiah’s acting process. He emphasised the importance of understanding each director’s vision and sensibility. “Every director has a different style and approach. It’s crucial for me to grasp that to serve the film or series better,” he noted, adding that Sudhanshu Saria, the director of Ulajh, brought a unique vision to the project.
As Indian cinema evolves with the rise of OTT platforms, he envisions his career adapting to this new era. “One foot here, one foot there,” he said about balancing between traditional cinema and digital content. When it comes to future roles, he remains open to surprises. “I want roles that are good for my career and interesting. Those are my main criteria.”
Looking ahead, the Blurr actor has a diverse slate of upcoming projects, including Little Thomas and Therapy Sherapy, where he stars alongside Rasika Dugal and Neha Dhupia. Little Thomas is a children’s film about a boy named Thomas Miranda and I play his father. Therapy Sherapy is about a dysfunctional family running a sweet shop, with an incredible ensemble cast including Manoj Pahwa and Seema Pahwa.”
Gulshan Devaiah’s versatility and dedication continue to shape his dynamic career, making him a compelling figure in the ever-changing landscape of Indian cinema.