Gulshan Devaiah is enjoying the success of his recently released web series Dahaad and theatrical film, 8 AM Metro. As he is all set for his upcoming projects that include Guns And Gulaabs and Ulajh, PeepingMoon spoke to him about his career and more. 

Talking to us, the actor opened up about nepotism and the debate around it. Gulshan also spoke about his plans to venture into Hollywood, his toughest role to date and why Shaitan deserves a re-release. He shed light on whether Dahaad will be renewed for a second season.

Excerpts from the interview:

You have been doing diverse roles. Is it a conscious call?

I like to be a part of diverse projects. Even as a film lover, I love watching all genres except horror. I would want my career graph to be like this. 

People seem to grow more intolerant of cinema, especially Hindi films. What's your say on it?

I don't know how much of that is genuine and real. I don't think genuine people will have an issue with any of the films that we make. People are targeting certain people and certain production houses. It could have a political angle to it. I refuse to believe genuine people would be so interested in these things. I don't take it too seriously. I believe if you present your point of view correctly and honestly, toh dar ke kyun jeena? 

Nepotism in Bollywood is a big debate as compared to that in the South...

Nepotism has never bothered me. Yes, it became a huge issue but I don't pay attention because I believe art doesn't see meritocracy. The audience and filmmakers choose you. The audience can like or dislike you. As artists, we want people to like our content. Filmmakers have the right to create opportunities for people they like and it is a democracy. It isn't an obligation. 

Any plans to explore Hollywood?

I don't know but when I was 16-17 years old, I did fantasize about Hollywood. I don't have any plans as of now. Yes, I have certain milestones to achieve but I don't talk about them. There are no plans but if something good comes my way that adds to my career then why not. 

Which was your toughest role to date?

The toughest role has to be of a monster in Dibaker Banerjee's Ghost Stories. It was a full-body prosthetic and movements were restricted. It took a lot of energy, mentally and physically, to put on that suit and shoot for 7 days. While doing it I wondered why am I even doing this but I was also proud of it.  

Which film of yours do you want to re-release now?

I would like to re-release Shaitan. I feel it didn't get a good release date because it clashed with X-Men: First Class. We lost a lot of audience because of that. You don't get a weekend collection because of the already-hit franchise as people come to watch your film on weekdays. Shaitan deserved to release without much competition around it. 

Is Dahaad getting renewed for a second season?

Dahaad has been very well received and is successful. Mostly, successful shows on Prime Video have gone ahead for a second season so maybe this will also go. I would definitely like to play Devilal again in the second season. I would really enjoy that. 

Which was the toughest scene to crack in Dahaad?

The scene where Sonakshi Sinha and I sit down for a meal and talk about our lives. We shot it right after the lockdown. I thought I wasn't approaching the scene correctly despite extensive rehearsal. Maybe I made it more complicated in my head. That was a tough scene to crack.