Meeting Rishab Shetty: The Birth of an Unbelievable Odyssey
Gulshan Devaiah, whose nuanced performances in movies such as Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Badhaai Do are best left unsaid, can’t help but gush about Rishab Shetty, the star and director of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. In an interview with NDTV, Gulshan reminisces about how Rishab called him one day in 2023 in a tizzy of excitement.
“I’ve known him for a while,” Gulshan says, laughing. “He had pitched me scripts before, but they never took off. Then lockdown happened, and everything was on pause. Suddenly, he calls me and says, ‘We’ve written something with you in mind. We want you to hear it.’” That “something” turned out to be Kantara Chapter 1.
Saying Yes to a Challenging Role
After reading the script, Gulshan knew this was no ordinary project. “If I said no, it would have been a foolish mistake,” he says. “The part was intriguing, the story had depth, and I knew it would be a great move for my career. On top of that, meeting Rishab and vibing with him made it feel right.”
What made the project even more compelling for him was the chance to explore a character that demanded both mental and physical rigor. “The role challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before,” Gulshan admits. “It’s rare to find a script that’s both creatively fulfilling and thrilling to perform.”
Handling Pressure Like a Pro
With a bigger budget and larger audience expectations came enormous pressure. “The expectations from audiences that it has to be as good as, if not better than, the first Kantara, combined with the physical and emotional demands of acting, directing a larger cast, managing a huge set, and handling day-to-day stress… It’s incredible,” says Gulshan.
Over 250 days, Rishab handled all of this with remarkable composure. “I just want to learn how he handles stress,” Gulshan admits. Observing him, I knew that leadership isn’t about giving orders, it’s about motivating all the people around you to do your best, even when things get tough.
Life on Set: Challenges and Commitment
The shoot wasn’t easy. “We were in real forests,” Gulshan explains. “Roads had to be constructed, a bridge built just to get 4x4s to certain locations. Heavy rains sometimes washed out entire schedules. It was dangerous, yet Rishab kept going.”
He recalls Rishab’s unwavering dedication: “He’d be up before everyone else and one of the last to leave. Even after hours of makeup and body paint, he’d sit patiently while the team removed it. Then he’d sleep a few hours and come back the next day. I don’t think I could ever do that.”
Leadership and Respect on Set
Beyond stamina, it was Rishab’s sincerity and leadership that impressed Gulshan most. “Even when he’s losing his cool, it comes from passion. His team loves him because he leads with conviction. He’s like a commander. To handle stress, expectations, and controversies and still keep moving forward… It’s remarkable.”
“The one thing I’d like to learn from Rishab Shetty is his ability to handle stress and pressure,” Gulshan says, smiling. “He makes everyone around him feel supported, and yet the weight he carries on his own shoulders is immense. Watching that, you can’t help but feel inspired to push your own limits.”
The Film’s Grand Impact
Kantara Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. Released in a variety of languages, the movie goes into the heritage of the Bhuta Kola tradition, its mythological roots, and the interrelationship between humans, nature, and supernatural power. Within weeks, it collected over Rs 330 crore net at the box office, turning into one of the hits of 2025.
The film features Rishab Shetty as warrior Berme, Rukmini Vasanth as Princess Kanakavathi, Jayaram in a lead role, and Gulshan as powerful King Kulashekhara. But as for Gulshan, the most memorable experience is not the fighting, royalty, or jungles; it’s watching Rishab Shetty’s determination, grit, and brilliance.
Lessons Off the Screen
In a film industry where filmmaking is now more of a fine balancing act between art and business, Rishab Shetty’s tale is one to learn from. For actors like Gulshan Devaiah, it’s one for learning to manage stress and expectations and being passionate about leadership. While audiences are left stunned by the action and graphics, the real magic lies in the man behind the entire operation.