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Swanand Kirkire is an Indian lyricist, writer, playback singer, actor, assistant director, and dialogue writer. He mainly works in Marathi and Hindi films. He is best known for writing the songs, “Bande Me Tha Dum…Vande Mataram” from the film, ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ (2006) and “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” from the film, ‘3 Idiots’ (2009).
Wiki/Biography
Swanand Kirkire was born on Wednesday, 29 April 1970 (age 50 years; as in 2020) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Taurus. He did his schooling from Indore’s Shri Dayanand Higher Secondary School and went to BVM College of Management Education, Madhya Pradesh to pursue B.Com. Being born in a family of singers, Swanand was exposed to music and its technicalities from a very young age.
Swanand Kirkire in his young age
After completing his graduation, Swanand moved to Delhi and started working there in the sales department of Eureka Forbes vacuum cleaners. After a while, he applied for a Design and Direction course in the National School of Drama but got rejected; because he did not meet the selection criteria of working in at least ten plays. He, then worked hard for two years and completed his ten plays.
Swanand Kirkire during a street play
Swanand again applied for the Design and Direction course in NSD and got selected. After the completion of the course, Kirkire joined a theatre group and started writing and directing plays. Swanand made his acting debut in professional theatre with Manav Kaul’s, “Colour Blind.”
Swanand Kirkire during a play
One of his plays titled ‘Ek Sapna’ was based on the articles and documents written by Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The play got noticed by film & television director, Manju Singh who offered Kirkire to write a script for a TV series.
Swanand Kirkire during his NSD days
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
Eye Colour: Brown
Family & Caste
Swanand Kirkire belongs to a Marathi Family.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Chintamani Kirkire is a former bank manager. His mother, Neelambari Kirkire was an administrative officer at the Indore University. Both his parents are classical singers, and they both are disciples of Kumar Gandharva, one of the doyens of Hindustani classical music. Swanand has one sister.
Swanand Kirkire with his father
Swanand Kirkire with his mother
Swanand Kirkire and his family
Career
Swanand started his career as a writer for Manju Singh’s TV serial, “Swaraj,” which was based on the life of Bhagat Singh. Subsequently, he assisted the popular filmmaker, Sudhir Mishra in the films, “Calcutta Mail,” “Chameli,” and “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.” While Swanand was working under Mishra, Sudhir came across the lyrics of his song, “Bawra Mann” (which Swanand had written during his theatre days) and decided to include the song in his film, ” Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.” The song was recorded in Swanand’s voice, and it became a huge hit on its release. He, then, went on to work as a lyricist in many popular films, like “Parineeta,” “Lage Raho Munna Bhai,” “3 Idiots,” “Lafangey Parindey,” “Singham,” “Kai Po Che!,” “Parched,” and “Fitoor.”
Swanand has worked as a playback singer for more than 40 songs, including “Tu Kisi Rail Si” from the film, ‘Masaan’ and “Monta Re” from the film, ‘Lootera.’
He made his acting debut in 2003 by playing a small role in the Hindi film, “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.” Subsequently, he played small roles in many films, including “Eklavya: The Royal Guard,” “Crazy Cukkad Family,” “Saala Khadoos,” and “Badrinath Ki Dulhania.”
Swanand Kirkire in Badrinath Ki Dulhania
In 2017, he played the lead role in the Marathi film, “Chumbak.” He has also appeared in web series’ like “Parchhayee – Ghost stories by Ruskin Bond,” “Table No. 5,” and “The Verdict – State vs Nanavati.” He has also appeared in many short films and print shoots. In addition to that, he has also written dialogues for a few films.
Swanand Kirkire in Chumbak
Awards
- National Award for ‘Best Lyrics’ for the song “Bande Me Tha Dum” from ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ (2006)
- National Award for ‘Best Lyrics’ for the song “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” from ‘3 Idiots’ (2010)
- Screen Award for ‘Best Lyrics’ for the song, “Maanjha” from ‘Kai Po Che’ (2013)
- Screen Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for the film “Chumbak” (2018)
- National Film Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for the film “Chumbak” (2019)
Signature
Swanand Kirkire’s signature
Favourite Things
- Film Director(s): Dibakar Banerjee, Rajkumar Hirani
- Apparel Brand: Louis Vuitton
- Travel Destination: Srinagar
Facts/Trivia
- Swanand’s hobbies include listening to music, reading books, and writing.
- He is often spotted smoking cigarettes on various occasions.
- He follows a non-vegetarian diet.
- Swanand desired to become a film director since childhood.
- Although Swanand’s parents are classical singers, he was more drawn towards direction and theatre; as his uncle was into amateur theatre, and he often accompanied his uncle to the rehearsals.
- Swanand was a batch mate of the Bollywood actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the National School of Drama.
- Swanand has never received any training in singing.
- He has also performed at the music TV shows, “Coke Studio” and “The Dewarists.”
- Swanand is an active philanthropist. He has done many fundraiser stage shows to help the underprivileged.
- In 2017, Swanand published his poetry book, “Aapkamai.”
Swanand Kirkire’s book
- Swanand is a bike enthusiast, and he owns a Yezdi bike.
Swanand Kirkire riding his bike
- Swanand is fluent in three languages, i.e., Hindi, English, and Marathi.