In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Fast forward 25 years, and the music director and composer reflects on his journey from the era of film reels to the age of social media reels. Initially facing challenges due to not fitting the conventional image, he discusses the pressure of creating hit songs, establishing his unique identity, and more. He mentions his practice of observing audience reactions to music in theaters for insights, particularly in the context of mass films. A significant moment occurred during the re-release of the movie "Upendra," where Gurukiran and the film's lead actor and director, Upendra, found themselves reminiscing about their early days in the industry. Despite starting in Mangaluru, his success with "Upendra" and "Chitra" compelled him to settle in Bengaluru permanently. Gurukiran also shares his transition from viewing music as a hobby to a serious career aspiration, noting that his original dream was to be a singer. While acknowledging the improved opportunities for newcomers in the industry today, he emphasizes the ongoing challenge of sustaining success amidst the commercialization of music.In today's highly competitive music industry, simply creating good music is not enough. Promotional efforts are essential to ensure that your music is heard amidst the oversaturation of the market. Music directors often face requests like, 'make this go viral on social media,' as if hits can be manufactured at will. Gurukiran acknowledges this trend but reflects that he has chosen to slow down, focusing only on projects that inspire him. He finds fulfillment in the fact that his music from classic films like A, Kariya, and Upendra continues to feel fresh even after many years. For Gurukiran, creating enduring music is now the most important aspect of his career.

Gurukiran recalls the challenges he faced at the beginning of his career, where he was initially not accepted easily due to not fitting the traditional image of a music director. Despite initially struggling to be taken seriously, Gurukiran persisted and eventually gained recognition with successful projects like Apthamitra. Reflecting on his career, he takes pride in the fact that a significant portion of his work has been successful, with a remarkable percentage of films running for over 100 days. According to Gurukiran, music plays a vital role in attracting audiences to cinemas.