Acclaimed actor Gulshan Devaiah has been receiving widespread praise for his powerful portrayal of King Kulashekara in Kantara: Chapter 1. He recently opened up about his creative bond with actor, writer, and director Rishabh Shetty. The much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara is an important artistic collaboration. It brings together two powerhouse talents who are known for their authenticity. They are also celebrated for their commitment to storytelling.
Gulshan revealed how their connection began years before this film came into being. He shared that he and Rishabh Shetty first met in 2019. This was long before Kantara: Chapter 1 was even conceived. They had spoken about potentially working together.
Gulshan recalled more about that first meeting. He said, “Rishabh met me through a common friend PD Satish Chandra. Rishabh expressed his desire to work with me. I didn’t know who he was in 2019, but I liked meeting him very much. He was sincere and a lover of cinema. He was very passionate about telling his stories. I was immediately attracted by that energy. The first few projects were discussed. I was to be a leading actor in them. They didn’t work out for a variety of reasons.”
What began as a creative conversation between two artists turned into a fulfilling collaboration. Mutual admiration eventually led to Kantara: Chapter 1 years later. Reflecting on this journey, Gulshan further added, “When Rishabh and I first met, I remember we instantly connected. We related as artists. There was a lot of mutual admiration and respect for each other’s work. We talked about collaborating someday. We didn’t know in what capacity. We didn’t know when it would happen. However, there was a shared intention that something would bring us together. That manifestation took shape in 2025 with Kantara: Chapter 1. Working with Rishabh has been one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences of my career. He’s an exceptional storyteller. He approaches his stories with great passion, honesty, and sincerity. He leads by example and brings out the best in everyone around him. Our shared love for authenticity and meaningful storytelling made this collaboration very natural. Kantara: Chapter 1 is not just a film. It’s a testament to what occurs when artists from different journeys unite with one vision. They create something lasting that stays with the audience long after the lights go out.”
The prequel, directed by Rishabh Shetty, continues to win hearts globally with its rich storytelling, rooted performances, and spiritual depth. Gulshan’s portrayal of King Kulashekara has been widely appreciated. It marks not only a memorable collaboration with Shetty but also his grand debut in the Kannada film industry. He describes this debut as “the best one could hope for.”
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