Gulshan Devaiah recalls feeling out of place at Shah Rukh Khan’s part at Mannat: I didn’t belong there

Gulshan Devaiah recalls visiting Mannat

Gulshan Devaiah, known for his versatile performances in films like Hunterrr, Badhaai Do, and Guns & Gulaabs, recently opened up about an unforgettable night at Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat. Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, the actor reflected on the evening he spent at an afterparty hosted by Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, which made him question his sense of belonging within Bollywood’s elite social circles.

Gulshan began by clarifying a long-standing misconception surrounding his visit. Contrary to earlier media reports that claimed he had “gatecrashed” Mannat, the actor explained, “I didn’t barge in; I was invited. Agar Shah Rukh Khan ke ghar main ghusa hota toh abhi jail mein hota. Some journalist must have heard the word ‘gatecrash’ for the first time and decided to use it.”

The event in question took place in 2012, following the announcement of that year’s Filmfare nominations. Gulshan, who was expected to feature in the list, attended the gathering along with his then-wife, Kallirroi Tziafeta, and filmmaker friends Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin. “Anurag and Kalki were hesitant, but Shah Rukh insisted and asked them to bring me along as well,” he recalled.

Despite the warm invitation, Gulshan admitted he felt deeply uncomfortable throughout the evening. “I stayed there for about three hours, and I was very uncomfortable during the whole time. I felt like I didn’t belong there,” he shared. Surrounded by towering industry figures such as Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the actor said the glitzy atmosphere only intensified his sense of displacement.

Gulshan was all praise for Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, and described them as “extremely kind and gracious hosts.” “They were very sweet to me, even though it’s not their job to make me feel comfortable,” he said, adding that he eventually found a kindred spirit in Australian actor Joel Edgerton, with whom he struck up a genuine conversation.

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Gulshan said the experience turned out to be a moment of self-awareness. “Those people are all high achievers. Being there made me realise my own insecurities about belonging. It taught me that I need to be comfortable wherever life takes me,” he said.

Gulshan Devaiah was recently seen in Kantara Chapter 1, where he played the role of the menacing King Kulashekhara.