In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Having witnessed the industry's transition from film reels to social media reels over the past twenty-five years, the music director and composer shares, "Initially, I faced challenges being accepted here. I didn't fit the typical image." In a recent conversation, he talks about the pressures of producing hit songs, how he forged his own path, and much more. "I used to visit theaters to gauge audience reactions to music," he recalls.

During the re-release of Upendra, two familiar faces lit up the theater: the film's star and director, Upendra, and music director Gurukiran. "It brought back memories of 25 years ago when Uppi and I first observed audience responses during Upendra's original release in 1999," Guru reminisces. "After scoring my first hit as a music director, I briefly returned to Mangaluru until the opportunity with Upendra came along. I learnt the importance of engaging with audiences through background music, especially for mass movies. The overwhelming reaction to Upendra's music led to the sale of audio rights for a significant amount at that time. Although initially hesitant to stay in Bengaluru despite musical success, it was after Upendra and Chitra that I decided to establish a permanent presence here. Music wasn't my initial career choice; the shift came after these projects. My ultimate dream was to be a singer," Gurukiran reveals.

"Entering the industry is somewhat easier nowadays, though maintaining longevity remains a challenge," he adds, reflecting on the current industry landscape that is more inclusive of newcomers. "While success can be achieved, sustaining it is a different task. The commercial aspect of music has grown, shifting the focus from artistic expression to profitability."In this era of intense competition within a crowded market, simply creating music is no longer sufficient. It has become essential to also invest in promoting one's work to ensure it reaches its intended audience. Individuals now approach music directors with requests to make their music trend on platforms like reels, giving the impression that viral hits can be manufactured at will. Recognizing this reality, Gurukiran has chosen to slow down and selectively take on projects that genuinely inspire him. He finds fulfillment in the timeless appeal of his music from films such as A, Kariya, and Upendra, emphasizing the importance of creating enduring art over chasing short-lived trends. Despite facing initial skepticism and struggles to be accepted in the industry due to his unconventional appearance, Gurukiran eventually gained recognition through his successful track record. He takes pride in the fact that a significant portion of his works have achieved success, with a high percentage of films running for over 100 days, showcasing the influential role of music in attracting audiences to cinemas.