Swanand Kirkire (born 1972) is an Indian lyricist, playback singer, writer and actor who works in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice, for “Bande Mein Tha Dum” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) and “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” from 3 Idiots (2009), and a third National Award as an actor for the Marathi film Chumbak (2018).
Quick Facts
| Full name | Swanand Kirkire |
| Born | 1972, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Lyricist, singer, actor, writer |
| Education | National School of Drama, New Delhi (1996) |
| Parents | Chintamani Kirkire, Neelambari Kirkire (classical singers) |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Honours | Three National Film Awards |
| Known for | “Baawra Mann”, “Bande Mein Tha Dum”, “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” |
Early Life
Kirkire was born in Indore into a Marathi family; both his parents were students of the classical singer Kumar Gandharva. He grew up listening to music at home but was drawn to theatre, and studied direction at the National School of Drama in Delhi, graduating in 1996. He wrote and staged a play on the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
Career
He came to Mumbai to work as an assistant director and joined Sudhir Mishra on Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003). The song “Baawra Mann”, which he had written and sung for himself, was used in the film and made his name. He then wrote the songs of Parineeta (2005), including “Piyu Bole”, for the composer Shantanu Moitra, with whom he formed a long partnership. Their work with the director Rajkumar Hirani on Lage Raho Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots, starring Sanjay Dutt and Aamir Khan, brought the two National Awards. Other well-known lyrics include “Aal Izz Well”, “Give Me Some Sunshine”, “Monta Re” (Lootera) and “O Ri Chiraiya” from the television show Satyamev Jayate, which he also sang.
He has acted in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Eklavya, Raat Akeli Hai, the series Panchayat and Three of Us (2023). His performance as a simple-minded man cheated by a teenager in the Marathi film Chumbak won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has written dialogue for films and published a book of poems, Aapkamai.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Swanand Kirkire born?
Swanand Kirkire was born in 1972, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
What is Swanand Kirkire known for?
Known for: “Baawra Mann”, “Bande Mein Tha Dum”, “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh”.
What honours has Swanand Kirkire received?
Three National Film Awards.
Featured image: Swanand Kirkire at the Jaipur Literature Festival, 2025. Photo by Sriya Sarkar, licensed under CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
