Are Bollywood lyrics really shallow? Swanand Kirkire shuts down debate
Swanand Kirkire pushes back against criticism of modern Bollywood music, explaining why today’s lyrics reflect changing times rather than declining quality.
Music composer, singer, lyricist and actor Swanand Kirkire is entering a new creative space as a show creator for the first time with Bandwaale. The Prime Video series also sees him in the lead role, making the project a deeply personal milestone in his career.
Also Read: Swanand Kirkire on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’: “What are we even applauding?”
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Swanand Kirkire steps into show creation with Bandwaale
Calling the experience special, Kirkire said that working on his first series while also acting in it has been both humbling and exhilarating.
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‘Stories have lived with me for a long time’
Speaking about his debut as a creator, Swanand shared that storytelling has always been part of his life, even beyond music. “For a very long time, stories have lived with me, some through music, some through characters, and some quietly in my head,” he said.
According to him, Bandwaale is the result of those ideas finally taking shape in a form that allows them to grow over time. “Creating my first series and also playing the lead in it has been humbling and exhilarating,” he added.
A different responsibility as creator and actor
The National Award-winning artist explained that the experience came with a unique responsibility, “you’re shaping an entire world while also living inside it as a character. ”Swanand said.
“I’ve learned to trust the process, collaborate deeply, and let the story guide me.” He described the project as a natural extension of his creative journey and expressed gratitude to Prime Video for backing a story close to his heart.
A new phase with Bandwaale
The series is created by Swanand Kirkire along with musician and composer Ankur Tewari, marking a significant new phase in Kirkire’s storytelling career.
Release date
Bandwaale will start streaming on Prime Video from February 13.
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A career filled with accolades
Swanand Kirkire has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice, first in 2006 for Bande Mein Tha Dum… Vande Mataram from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and again in 2009 for Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh from 3 Idiots.
In 2018, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for the Marathi film Chumbak. He was recently seen in cameo appearances as Sansad ji in Panchayat 3 and as Mansoor Khan Sahab in Qala, where he also contributed as a lyricist and singer.
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