Exclusive! 8 A.M. Metro's Gulshan Devaiah: I use fashion as a form of personal expression

Gulshan Devaiah has been lauded for his acting skills. But of late, the actor has been in the news for his interesting style choices. 

In conversation with OTTplay, we asked the actor about the juxtaposition between his sartorial choices and the grey characters he plays onscreen. The actor said, "That is an interesting observation, which is actually true. It isn't something that I am doing consciously. Although I play largely dark and grey characters, I am a colourful person in real life. Growing up, I was very self-conscious, and it has taken a lot for me to be comfortable with myself and present myself the way I am."

"Even though I am not a trained actor, I have trained in fashion. I went to fashion school, and I absolutely love fabrics, colours, patterns, and everything about fashion. It is an exciting space, so I express myself through fashion and the clothes that I wear. I don't have a stylist, and even though I collaborate with fashion designers at times, most of the clothes that I wear for interviews, promotions, and public appearances are my own that I style myself. I have a diverse collection."

"The best part about being an actor is creating, but in real life, I should be myself. At times I joke, talk nonsense, fool around, and even be emotional, and all of that is who I am. I am real," the Dahaad actor added.

Gulshan also mentioned that creating a signature through fashion is a practised culture in Bollywood, not only in present times, but through the ages.

Giving reference to actors, Gulshan said, "I am not the first person to wear my personality. Jackie Dada (Jackie Shroff) doesn't follow any trends but makes his own fashion statement. He is a true Mumbaikar, and the topi (cap) he wears is of a specific style, which represents the working class of the city."

"An example of the present generation is Ranveer Singh. He is a warm, vibrant, and energetic person, and his clothes reflect that. Being authentic is important," said the actor who plays the protagonist in 8 A.M. Metro.

8 A.M. Metro, which also stars Saiyami Kher, is currently in theatres.