Revisiting 'Womaniya' Sneha Khanwalkar's Act Of Transfusing Art In Music

Sneha Khanwalkar, a name synonymous with innovative music compositions and distinctive soundscapes in the Bollywood film industry, has left an indelible mark on the realm of Indian cinema. Born on April 28, 1983, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, Sneha's journey as a composer and actress has been nothing short of remarkable.

Personal Life and Early Influences

Sneha Khanwalkar's roots in music trace back to her upbringing in Indore, where her mother's family was deeply rooted in the Gwalior gharana of Hindustani classical music. Her childhood was immersed in the melodies of Hindustani classical music, shaping her early musical inclinations. Despite her family's initial plans for her to pursue engineering, Sneha's passion for music prevailed.

During her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) vacations, she explored her artistic side by enrolling in animation and art direction courses. In 2001, her family relocated to Mumbai, and it was there that she transitioned from animation and art direction to her true calling—music direction.

Stepping into the Limelight

Khanwalkar's journey into the world of music began in 2004 when she composed for The Hope, a film that competed at the International Filmfest Emden in Germany. Her breakthrough, however, came with the title track for Ruchi Narain's film KAL – Yesterday and Tomorrow (2005). The turning point in her career arrived with the 2007 film Go, produced by Ram Gopal Varma, and a song for Sarkar Raj (2008).

In 2008, Sneha garnered acclaim for her exceptional score for Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! In a unique approach, she traversed rural North India, particularly Haryana, immersing herself in the Raagini music festival. This hands-on research paved the way for a mesmerising soundtrack infused with Haryanvi musical influences.

A Glimpse into Her Notable Works

Khanwalkar gained widespread recognition for producing the music in the critically acclaimed film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008) and the epic Gangs of Wasseypur film series. Her remarkable work in these projects earned her a well-deserved nomination for Best Music Director at the prestigious 58th Filmfare Awards. 28 Years later, she was only the second woman to win an award in this category after Usha Khanna. Her melodies continued with popular films like Dishkiyaoon (2014), Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), and Hanuman Da Damdaar (2017).

Gangs of Wasseypur and Filmfare Recognition

Anurag Kashyap's magnum opus, Gangs of Wasseypur (Part 1 & Part 2), marked a significant chapter in Sneha Khanwalkar's career. Her role as the music director of this celebrated movie earned her a nomination in the Best Music Director category at the 58th Filmfare Awards, making her only the second woman to achieve this feat 28 years after Usha Khanna.

Sound Trippin: A Musical Expedition

Sneha Khanwalkar's creativity extended beyond film scores. She took on the role of the host in the popular MTV mini-series Sound Trippin. The show, produced by Babble Fish Productions, showcased Sneha's musical journey as she travelled to diverse locations like Punjab, Banaras, Yellapur, Goa, and Leh. Through this series, she captured local sounds, from ambient noises to everyday sounds, collaborating with local musicians to create a final musical piece that encapsulated the essence of each location.

Sneha Khanwalkar's musical journey has not only elevated the auditory experience of Bollywood films but has also showcased her versatility as an artist. From composing soul-stirring melodies to embarking on musical expeditions, she continues to be a trailblazer in the Indian music industry. With a record that spans genres and emotions, Sneha Khanwalkar stands as a testament to the transformative power of music in storytelling.