Swanand Kirkire “It is Like a Rebirth to me”

Lyricist, writer, singer, assistant director – multifaceted Swanand Kirkire has played multiple roles in this film industry. In his 15-year career, he has given lyrics for blockbuster films such as 3 Idiots (2009), English Vinglish (2012), Vicky Donor (2012), Kai Po Che! (2013), October (2018) et al. The two-time national award winner is now excited about his debut Marathi film, released on 27th July. Swanand had played few brief roles in Bollywood films earlier such as Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi, Badrinath Ki Dulhania etc, but Marathi movie Chumbak is his first film in the role. Devyani Purkayastha caught up with Swanand Kirkire to talk about his new role and more….

How did Chumbak happen to you?
I would like to say, when I wanted to do something different, I get a call from Mr. Naren Kumar with whom I was supposed to work as a lyricist in Jolly LLB and Jolly LLB2. But it didn’t happen for some reason. However, he had said that he would work with me someday in future. I got a call from him when Jolly LLB2 was under production. I had guessed the call would be for some song writing job, but he surprised me by offering this role. When the role was narrated to me, it blew my mind.

What kind of role are you playing and how did you prepare for it?
See, this role is of a specially abled person. There is a spectrum in autism. We had to decide where this role fits. We carried out a research at Sion hospital’s psychiatric department. We met different such people and the doctors involved. However, Writer-Director Sandeep Modi had written the character based on someone from his family. I was introduced to him. I met him in person, observed him closely, without letting him know about our film. I tried to make image in my mind about his costumes, his hairstyle etc. You can find Prasanna – my character in the film with his bag, lose pant whose hair is neatly cut. This is how I prepared myself for the role.

Did you ever expect to act in a lead role one-day?
I think, you have seen me act in a Tata Sky AD – this is what bagged me this role. In that AD, my character used to forget everything. When Naren Kumar saw me in that, he approached me with the role. I never thought that I can be a lead actor. However, now I have tasted the blood and very serious about acting. This role is a responsible one and very close to my heart…

Continue…
It is like a rebirth to me. It has given me a breath of fresh air. I am looking at the world in a different light now. I am excited like a youngster. I try to imagine how my acting career will shape now though my career as song writer going smoothly and people love my work.

Has music helped you in some way to mould your career in acting?
Music works very well in terms of acting when it comes to rhythm. Acting has rhythm. A good actor has good timing. The word ‘timing’ comes from rhythm. So I admit that music has helped me to act. Music is there in my blood. Music always drives me.

Now that you have got lead role in a Marathi cinema, would you like to do the same in Bollywood as well? What if your film is adapted in Hindi?
I would love to do that. Let’s see, fingers crossed. I am going to show this film to my friends in Bollywood. I hope somebody gets inspired and make a film for me.

A successful lyricist or a successful actor – what would you choose for yourself?
On a serious note, I would like to say that every work is beautiful. Everything is correct at its own place. But acting is something which is more responsible job. As an actor, your personality is revealed infront of camera. Acting is more challenging, at the same time, rewarding too.

Let us know about your upcoming projects.
I am working on Ajay Devgn and Kajol’s Helicopter Eela as a lyricist. Then, I am writing two films for Akshay Kumar — one is for Vipul Shah and the other for R Balki. I also doing a web series for Amazon.I have written the script, I may direct it as well.

Sandeep Modi, Director, Chumbak:
The audience for Marathi cinema is the most refined one – according to my belief. The kind of subjects they accept and watch is remarkable; they are not completely driven by stars, but by content.

Naren Kumar, Producer, Chumbak:
Basically, Bollywood is not only leaning toward Marathi Cinema, it is inclined towards good content. Being a producer of Jolly LLB 2, Akshay Kumar and I worked closely. I had an interaction with him while this film was being made. When he saw the film, he fell in love with the film. In his 28-year-old career, he has endorsed a movie and given his name for the first time.