10 hours agoAuthor: Ashish Tiwari
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There are some actors who make an impact in every character. Gulshan Devaiah's film 'Uljh' was released recently. He was seen with Janhvi Kapoor in this film. The audience liked Gulshan's character in this film. But some people believe that his character was not done justice.
Recently Gulshan Devaiah had a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar. The actor said that he does not think about how big the role is in the film. He joins the film only when he likes the project. If the choice of the film is wrong then he counts the days for the shooting to finish.
What do you think about the kind of feedback your character in 'Uljh' has received?
It is a good thing that I have lived up to the basic expectations of the audience. This gives me energy. It is the love of the people that is saying this.
But only Janhvi Kapoor was promoted in this film. Don't you feel that your character was not given justice the way it should have been?
I do not agree with this. I only think about doing my job properly. I join a project only when I am interested in it. I do not unnecessarily think about how big my role is.
For example, I had a small role in 'Badhaai Do'. But I found it interesting. I took time off from the shooting of 'Dahaad' and did that film. My role in it is less than six minutes long. Even in 'Hunter', I did not think that people would like my role. I think that if there is interest in a character, then it should be done with full hard work and passion.
Be it a character in Badhaai Do, Daad or Uljhan, how do you manage to bring out your impact in them?
I enjoy acting. That's why I do it. There is an old saying that the work in which one is interested is good. Similarly, the work which one enjoys doing, one will do it well.
When you go for shooting a film on the first day, then do you understand what the result will be?
Yes, after gaining some experience, now I know within a day or two how the film is turning out. Is it good or very good, or did I make a mistake in selecting the film. At such times, I only think about the number of days left for shooting. I have to focus only on my work.
What was the best compliment you received for 'Uljh'?
I don't remember any good compliment about 'Uljh'. Now I have become used to compliments. I would definitely like to say one thing that there was a slight mistake in speaking French in the film. Japanese is spoken well, but it was not evident in the sound designing. I think there could have been improvement in many scenes. But it could not be done. Still the director presented me in a very beautiful way.
It is expected that you will do something different in every project you do, what do you think?
I don't think about it because it creates pressure. I do what I am interested in. That's why people like my work. This is why I have earned love, affection and respect. I don't want to change this thing. Yes, after a certain time I definitely think about what will be good for my career.
What is your process for selecting characters?
I imagine what the character will be like. What will be his expressions, how will he speak, I think about all this. When I get the script, I understand many things from it. Anyway, every director has his own style and vision.
Like when Anurag Kashyap offers a film, we understand what kind of character will be there. Similarly, Bhansali sir will have something else. It is very important for us to understand that thing. When I met director Sudhanshu Saria for 'Uljh', I tried to understand how he wanted to tell the story. Then I think what can I do from my side in it.
Film is the director's medium. As an actor, do you surrender yourself to the director, or do you try to do something else from your side?
Everyone contributes to films. Be it the director, editor, cinematographer or spotboy. Everyone does their own work. That is why the quality of the film is good. Likes and dislikes are different things. The director of the film is the most important, because it is his responsibility to decide how to tell the story. It is very important for me to understand that thing. After that I think about how to play that character.
How much have actors like you benefited from the advent of OTT?
Not just actors, but everyone has got good opportunities. With the advent of OTT, a parallel industry has emerged. I started in 2011. At that time there was professional theatre, voice over, advertising, film and television. Now OTT has come on a very large scale. Stories are being presented in detail. All artists and technicians have benefited. But there is also competition because it has become another big medium of entertainment.
What has been the biggest learning in your journey so far?
The biggest and most important learning has been that one should not think about merit in arts. I understood this long ago. One can like or dislike something. But one cannot judge someone on the basis of merit. Everyone has a different perspective. Some people find Aishwarya Rai beautiful and some find Sushmita Sen beautiful.
What do you like about the Indian film industry and what thing would you like to change?
Here, someone's work is considered big and someone else's work is considered small. This is not just about the industry but also about our society. I have a problem with this. I wanted to bring about a change in this, but could not. But I keep talking about this topic. The good thing about the Indian film industry is that if you have talent, you will definitely get opportunities. It is a different matter how much success you get in it.
How much do you agree with the fact that attending film parties helps in getting work?
Of course, because there you get a chance to impress. But there is no guarantee that this will lead to work. Although I am not able to go to many places. But I have some friends who are seen everywhere. Be it a film screening or a film party.
You did not become a part of any camp, whereas you have had very good relations with many people, be it Anurag Kashyap or Sanjay Leela Bhansali?
Anurag Kashyap has directed one of my films and produced three films. He is also my co-actor in 'Bad Cop'. Now Anurag also does not belong to any camp. He himself has come out of many camps. As for me, I have never tried to join any camp.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of camping?
If you are a part of a camp, you do get an opportunity. But it depends on your ability. How much the other person trusts you. But I believe that if you want to create a different identity, you will have to work with different camps.
What do you have to say about success and failure?
Right now I am in a good position. I focus on my journey. I do my work with honesty and interest. If I do any work with enjoyment then my work will be good. I will get good results too.
