In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Now, twenty-five years later, the music director and composer reflects on his journey in the industry, from the era of film reels to social media. Initially facing challenges in acceptance due to not fitting the typical image, he carved his own niche over time. Gurukiran discusses the pressure of creating hit songs and shares insights on his approach, including his practice of visiting theaters to understand audience reactions and preferences. Recalling a significant moment during the re-release of Upendra, he remembers his early successes and eventual decision to shift permanently to Bengaluru. Gurukiran also reveals that music was not his initial career choice, but his passion for it grew after working on films like Upendra and Chitra. Reflecting on the current industry landscape, he notes that while it is more open to newcomers, sustaining success remains a challenge, with music now perceived more as a commercial venture than purely an art form.In today's highly competitive industry, everyone is striving to make a mark in an oversaturated market. Simply creating music is no longer sufficient; promoting it is also crucial to ensure it reaches listeners' ears. There is a trend where individuals ask music directors to make their music trend on platforms like reels, as if popular hits can be produced on demand. This realization has influenced my approach, leading me to slow down and selectively choose projects that inspire me. Finding joy in the fact that my music from iconic films like A, Kariya, and Upendra still resonates with audiences after many years, at this stage of my life, what matters most is creating enduring pieces,” shares Gurukiran.

Presently, individuals tend to approach music directors with requests such as ‘make this trending on reels,’ assuming that hit songs can be easily manufactured on demand. Gurukiran reflects on his journey, stating, “When I initially entered the industry, I faced challenges in being accepted; I did not conform to the traditional mold.” Despite establishing himself as a music director, it took time for him to gain full acceptance in the industry. Initially, his credibility was questioned, partly due to his appearance not aligning with the conventional expectations of music directors - well-groomed hair, white attire, and vibhuti on the forehead. However, with hits like Apthamitra, opinions gradually shifted in his favor. He takes pride in the fact that a significant portion of his work has been successful, with 44% of the films enjoying runs of over 100 days. Gurukiran emphasizes the influential role music plays in attracting audiences to cinemas.