In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Twenty-five years later, the accomplished music director and composer reflects on his journey amidst the industry's transformation from film reels to social media. He shares, "I faced challenges initially as I didn't conform to the typical image at the time." In a recent conversation, he discusses the pressure of producing hit songs, finding his own unique style, and more. "I used to frequent theaters to gauge the audience's musical preferences."

During the re-release of Upendra, the film's hero, Upendra, and music director, Gurukiran, shared a nostalgic moment in the theater. Gurukiran reminisces, "It brought me back to 25 years ago when we eagerly observed the audience reaction during the original release in 1999. Despite early success as a music director, I ventured back to Mangaluru until the opportunity to work on Upendra came my way. Witnessing the overwhelming response to the music, with the audio rights selling for a significant amount, I realized the impact of background music on mass films." Gurukiran's relocation to Bengaluru only became permanent after working on Upendra and Chitra, as he had never initially considered music as a career path.

Though entering the industry is more accessible today, Gurukiran notes that sustaining success remains a challenge. He emphasizes, "The industry has become more inclusive for newcomers, but longevity requires constant effort. Music has evolved from art to commerce over time."In today's oversaturated market, music creators must not only focus on making music but also on promoting it to ensure it reaches audiences. Requests like "make this trending on reels" highlight the expectation for instant hits, but musician Gurukiran has chosen to prioritize projects that inspire him. He finds satisfaction in the enduring appeal of his music from films such as A, Kariya, and Upendra. Gurukiran reflects on his journey, noting that he faced initial skepticism in the industry due to not fitting the traditional image of a music director. Despite this, he has proven himself with successful projects like Apthamitra, leading to a high success rate in his work and emphasizing the important role music plays in drawing audiences to theaters.