Coming Into His Own

Actor Gulshan Devaiah's filmography may look like a carefully-crafted strategy to break barriers but the actor, who has played pivotal roles in meaningful films and shows including Hunterrr, Dahaad, Badhaai Do, A Death in the Gunj or even Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, never consciously decided to go against the grain.

"I'd be lying if I said I was conscious about it. But yes, I was always very inclined to try something new. I am an actor and this is my craft and I am dedicated to it. Sometimes, it has a new meaning or perhaps serves as an inspiration for other people," he says.

It's hard not to notice that his characters have an endearing quality-they aren't stereotypically heroic but come across as real and authentic, often defying the conventional definition of masculinity.

"In terms of physicality, masculinity doesn't have to be about hair on the chest or ripped muscles and a deep booming voice. There are certain stereotypical ideas that define masculinity-for instance, not crying or not asking for help. I believe these are all exaggerated ideas of being a man," shares Devaiah.

Lauding his contemporaries like Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao and Kartik Aaryan, Devaiah says that they are not particularly 'masculine' and yet have attained a certain level of stardom. However, this isn't a new trend that has come up.

Even the male stars of the yesteryears, including legends like the late Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna were not 'hyper asculine' in way they looked or performed, in comparison to the hotblooded Dharmendra or Amitabh Bachchan.

"Sometimes, we forget that there have been icons in the past who have not been typical masculine men and yet have been heroes. I also try my best to get in touch with my feminine side even when I am playing inherently masculine characters," he reveals.

The Duranga actor recalls watching an interview a few years ago, where ace screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar had spoken of being in touch with his feminine side. "It's internal; almost emotional and cerebral. A lot of men are afraid or believe that being feminine means having mannerisms of a woman," he quips.