Gulshan Deviah has created his identity in the industry by making unconventional choices. He tells S Mallik how he lived his childhood fantasies through his character in Hunterrr
Gulshan Deviah is not a mainstream Bollywood actor but he has managed to carve a niche for himself as an unconventional hero who plays a pivotal role in the story, yet stays away from the limelight — until now. After playing small but significant roles in movies like That Girl in Yellow Boots, Hate Story and Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela, he is now seen in Harshvardhan Kulkarni’s debut directorial venture Hunterrr in the lead role.
The movie has made headlines for its content and subject. It narrates the story of a sex addict and his journey through childhood and adolescence. While here at a promotional event, the actor said, “The role of Mandar Ponkshe was not difficult because we all fantasise — all men do. Right from childhood we go through these biological changes and we discover our sexuality. Generally also when you grow up in a middle class society it is very difficult to approach your parents and talk to them about all these changes. You talk to your friends and you try and find out things on your own. For me, doing this role was like living all the fantasies that I had while growing up.”
The story of Mandar begins at that stage where he is looking for some answers. It was easy for Gulshan to relate to his character because “Mandar is a very ordinary and regular guy. There is nothing heroic or larger than life about him. His fantasies are very real which most people have. The story is basically of a man but I believe women, too, have their share of fantasies. Even the female characters in the film are very relatable,” added Deviah.
All the roles that the 36-year-old has chosen in his five-year long career have been “off the beaten track” and it was not a conscious decision. The actor pointed out that the choices that he has made are a reflection of the kind of person he is. He explained, “I have always been somebody who has been a little different and it took me a while to realise that. Since childhood I have been doing things a little differently. I also had to struggle to establish my identity in the industry because I did not fit into the run of the mill stuff. I have a different way of looking at things and was therefore exposed to a lot of different sensibilities of cinema. As an actor I feel that this versatility that I have in me can translate in my work. So I do not limit myself to any kind of genres and films. I have worked with Sanjay leela Bhansali, Anurag Kashyap and now with Harshvardhan. All of them are different with their own sensibilities.”
Acting has become a more creative process, he said, pointing out that present day directors look for actors who are able to add their own creative inputs to the character and interpret it in their own unique way. “The director has a vision of what the character is and they approach actors who they believe will be able to envision it accordingly,” he said.
According to Deviah, it is important for any actor to familiarise himself with the body of work of the director they are going to work with. He explained, “It is really important to understand the director’s point of view and his sensibility — what kind of a storyteller he is. Bhansali is a very visual storyteller. He uses spectacular, grand and larger-than-life visuals and the emotions are created through those visuals. You have to understand that you are a part of that. Once you understand the director’s craft then you know what they would want you to do. Then it becomes easy, otherwise you are confused.”
Gulshan is contended with the kind of work he has done so far. “I am quite happy right now with my career. I began acting on stage and was there for a while. Now I am in Bollywood and am enjoying myself. I am looking forward to a long innings on this pitch,” he concluded.