In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Over the past 25 years, the music director and composer has witnessed the industry's transformation from film reels to social media platforms. "Initially, I faced challenges being accepted here as I didn't fit the mold," he reveals. In a recent discussion, he explores the pressure of creating hit songs, his journey in establishing a unique identity, and more. Reflecting on his experiences, Gurukiran mentions, "I used to visit theaters to gauge audience response to music." During the re-release of Upendra, Gurukiran, alongside the film's hero and director, reminisced about their early days in theaters observing audience reactions. Gurukiran goes on to discuss his gradual immersion into the music industry, highlighting how his perspective evolved from a casual interest to a serious career pursuit, particularly after the success of Upendra and Chitra. He stresses the importance of sustaining success in an industry that, while more open to newcomers today, poses challenges in the long run.In today's competitive music industry, simply creating music is not enough. Artists must also prioritize promoting their work to ensure it reaches an audience. The pressure to make hits and stay relevant is intense, with individuals even requesting music directors to make their songs go viral on platforms like reels. Recognizing this, musician Gurukiran has chosen to take a step back and focus on projects that truly inspire him. He finds satisfaction in the longevity of his music, citing examples from films like A, Kariya, and Upendra that continue to resonate with audiences after years. Despite facing initial challenges in the industry due to not conforming to traditional stereotypes of a music director, Gurukiran has established himself through his successful projects like Apthamitra. Today, he takes pride in the fact that 70% of his work has been well-received, with a significant number of films enjoying lengthy theatrical runs. He emphasizes the importance of music in drawing audiences to cinemas and looks forward to creating lasting contributions to the industry.