In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends in the field of film music. Now, twenty-five years later, the music director and composer reflects on the industry's evolution from film reels to social media platforms. He shares, "Initially, I faced challenges gaining acceptance here as I didn't fit the typical image." In a recent conversation, he discusses the pressure of producing hit songs, how he established his own unique style, and more. One particular memory that stands out is when he and Upendra, the film's hero and director, watched the re-release of their movie together after twenty-five years, evoking nostalgic feelings from their initial visit to the theaters back in 1999 during the original release of the film Upendra. Gurukiran recalls diligently studying audience reactions to the music by visiting theaters, especially for mass-oriented films like Upendra. Despite early success and significant recognition with his music, he preferred returning to Mangaluru until working on the film Upendra compelled him to permanently shift to Bengaluru. Initially, music wasn't a serious career option for him and his main aspiration was to become a singer. He notes that while entering the industry is more accessible today, sustaining success remains a significant challenge.Today, the music industry is highly competitive, with everyone striving to distinguish themselves in a market that is oversaturated. It is no longer sufficient to simply create music; one must also invest in promoting it to ensure it reaches an audience. Requests to music directors now include demands such as making a song trend on platforms like reels, as if hits can be produced on demand. This is why Gurukiran has chosen to take a step back. He now only accepts projects that ignite his passion, finding fulfillment in the continued relevance of his work from films like A, Kariya, and Upendra even after many years. As Gurukiran reflects on his career, he emphasizes the importance of creating enduring art at this stage of his life. He mentions how, earlier in his career, he faced challenges in being accepted by the industry due to not conforming to the traditional image of a music director. Despite these initial hurdles, he persisted and eventually gained recognition with successful projects like Apthamitra. Gurukiran takes pride in the fact that a significant portion of his work has been well-received, with a high percentage of his films running for over 100 days, underscoring the significant role that music plays in attracting audiences to cinemas.