Swanand Kirkire is an acclaimed Indian lyricist, playback singer, writer, screenwriter, actor, and dialogue writer working in Hindi and Marathi cinema and television. A graduate of the National School of Drama, he has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice—for "Bande Mein Tha Dum" (Lage Raho Munna Bhai) in 2006 and "Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh" (3 Idiots) in 2009—and received a Filmfare nomination for his song "Piyu Bole" in Parineeta. He also earned a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the Marathi film Chumbak . His versatility and talent across creative disciplines have made him a respected and enduring figure in India’s cinematic and musical landscape.