A renowned Indian lyricist, writer, dialogue writer, playback singer, and actor, Swanand Kirkire is noted for his work in Bollywood cinema and Hindi TV industry. The two-time winner of National Film Award for Best Lyrics, after completing his graduation in Commerce, later went to study at the National School of Drama in 1996. It was during this time that Swanand got interested in doing theater and he wrote and directed a play based on the legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in New Delhi.

After working for a brief period in New Delhi, Swanand later moved to Mumbai where he was introduced to filmmaker Pankaj Parashar who in turn introduced him to director Sudhir Mishra. Swanand started assisting Mishra in his directorial venture Calcutta Mail and thus began his career in the film industry. Continuing his association with Sudhir, Swanand Kirkire assisted him with Chameli and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, which marked his debut as a lyricist and playback singer.

Following his debut song, `Bawra mann dekhne chala ek sapna` became an instant hit, Swanand subsequently wrote for films like Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), 3 Idiots (2009), Singham (2011), Vicky Donor (2012), Sonali Cable (2014), Hunterrr (2015), Parched (2015) and Fitoor (2016). The lyricist-cum-playback singer also lent his voice to many songs like Parineeta (2005), Well Done Abba (2010), English Vinglish (2012), Masaan (2015), Raat Akeli Hai (2020) and Haathi Mere Saathi (2021). Apart his immensely successful career as a singer and lyricist, the multitalented artist, Swanand Kirkire has worked as an actor. Having made his acting debut on the silver screen with Hazaaron Khawaishein Aisi (2003), he has played more small and supporting roles in films like Chameli (2004), Pune 52 (2013), Crazy Cukkad Family (2015), Saala Khadoos (2016), Mirza Juliet (2017) and Sameer (2017), a Hindi drama thriller directed by Dakxin Bajrange Chhara. His 2018 releases include Shoojit Sircar`s October and Chumbak.