In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Now, twenty-five years later, the accomplished music director and composer reflects on the changes in the industry, moving from film reels to social media reels. Initially facing challenges in being accepted due to not fitting the typical image, he found his own path to success over time. Gurukiran shares insights on the pressure to deliver hit songs, his unique approach, and more. He recalls a significant moment during the re-release of Upendra, where he and the film's hero-director watched the audience's reaction in the theater, reminiscent of their early days together in 1999. Despite early success, Gurukiran returned to Mangaluru until the opportunity for Upendra came along. Ultimately, his dedication to understanding audience preferences through theater visits and his passion for music led him to establish himself in Bengaluru permanently. Reflecting on his journey, Gurukiran mentions that while breaking into the industry may seem easier today, sustaining success remains a challenge, highlighting the shift of music from an art form to a commercial pursuit.In today's competitive music industry, it's not sufficient to simply create music; one must also invest in promoting it to ensure its reach. Music directors are often approached with requests to make songs trend on platforms like reels, as if popularity can be manufactured at will. Gurukiran has taken a more selective approach in his projects, focusing on those that inspire him. He finds joy in the fact that his music from films such as A, Kariya, and Upendra remains relevant even after many years. For Gurukiran, the most important thing at this stage of his life is the satisfaction of creating enduring work. When he started his career, Gurukiran faced skepticism and struggled to be accepted by the industry due to not conforming to the traditional image of a music director. However, over time, his success with hits like Apthamitra helped change perceptions. Gurukiran takes pride in the fact that a significant portion of his work has been successful, with a large percentage of his films running for over 100 days, highlighting the impact of music in drawing audiences to theaters.