'Not dressing for the algorithm': 'Kantara' star Gulshan Devaiah on why he’s done chasing ever-changing fashion fads

Before entering the film industry, seasoned actor Gulshan Devaiah had a passion for fashion and graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). He now applies his knowledge from school to create his own looks for events, rarely utilizes elaborate styling teams and dresses himself in a way that represents who he is. Clothing is important to him as long as it is authentic rather than showy. By being hands-on with his clothing, Gulshan is able to remain true to what he wants to wear rather than what the film industry thinks should be worn.Speaking candidly about his philosophy, the actor emphasised that fashion, to him, is deeply personal. “For me, clothing has always been about individuality rather than chasing trends. I’ve never been comfortable with the idea of dressing to fit into a box. I know what I’m comfortable in, and how I want to express myself. Trends come and go, but personal style stays. I’m done trying to keep up with ever-changing fads,” he shared with Mid-Day. Gulshan believes that constantly adapting to fleeting trends dilutes one’s identity. By trusting his instincts, he hopes to project a more genuine image. In an era where red-carpet fashion is often engineered for viral moments, Devaiah takes a different route. He acknowledged that many celebrity looks today are crafted primarily for photographs and online buzz. However, he has little interest in dressing for digital validation. “I understand that today a lot of fashion is designed for photographs, for Instagram, for that one viral moment. But I’m not dressing for the algorithm,” he remarked. His stance reflects a conscious decision to prioritise comfort and self-expression over spectacle. On the professional front, the actor garnered attention for his performance in ‘Kantara Chapter 1’. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the epic mythological action drama features Rukmini Vasanth and Jayaram in significant roles. Devaiah portrays Prince Kulashekhara, whose impulsive act of setting the Kantara forest ablaze becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative. The film opened to strong reviews and went on to achieve massive commercial success. With worldwide earnings exceeding Rs 800 crore, it emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.