MUMBAI: Gulshan Devaiah, Gauahar Khan, and Pawan Malhotra star in Shiksha Mandal, an Indian Hindi-language crime drama web series directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal. The show revolves around the suspense and thrilling events that ensue after the investigation into India's biggest medical entrance exam fraud. Shiksha Mandal began streaming on MX Player on 15 September 2022. 

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Gulshan Devaiah rose to fame with films like Hunterrr, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, Ram-Leela, etc, He is often regarded as one of the most prolific actors with expertise in playing dark and eccentric roles. 

The most notable roles that Devaiah has played are in Shaitan, Hate Story, and Hunterrr. In Shaitan, he received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He was also seen in Commando 3, Afsos, Duranga.  

Now, Gulshan is back with a power-packed series with intrigue and mystery around the medical exam scam in India.

TellyChakkar spoke to the star about his student life, his experience of shooting the series, and his equation with his co-stars.

Since this story revolves around education and school, fans are curious to know about what kind of a student you were.

People think that I might have been very notorious in school because I have characters like that, but actually, I didn't even have the courage to speak in front of people, let alone approach girls. I was very shy and I'd become quiet and innocent because I did not have the courage to talk to people. 

Shooting in schools and educational institutes brings about a feeling of nostalgia. Did you reminisce about the good old days?

It was very nostalgic for me, being back in a classroom because I was a design teacher before this, there was a difference here on set we had about 50 students, while in my class we only had about 6. I was not much older than the students that I taught but I have gotten good reviews and I have been told that I was a good teacher.

What was your first impression of your co-stars, since you all shoot some really intense scenes together, were there any fun moments that happened?

Pawan ji is a very fascinating person and I have known him since 2008, we used to workout at the same gym. And even though we have worked in the same movie, ‘Shaitan’, we did not have scenes together. But we've known each other a long time and he knows things about my personal life and he enquires as well. He is amazing and we have some really good conversations. Gauahar is an amazing person on set, she is courteous and she is fun and she will always offer you something. It was a fun experience. 

Shiksha Mandal also stars Gauahar Khan and Pawan Malhotra. Gulshan, who is known for playing notable roles in Shaitan, Hate Story, and Hunterrr, is playing a young hard-working man, who is a teacher and runs a coaching institute.

On the other hand, veteran actor Pavan Raj Malhotra is playing an antagonist in the series. 

Are you excited to watch the show? Let us know in the comments below!

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