SNEHA KHANWALKAR

  1. Basic Information:
  • Full Name: Sneha Khanwalkar
  • Date of Birth: April 28, 1983
  • Place of Birth: Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Occupation: Music Director, Composer, Singer
  • Genres: Bollywood, Folk, Electronic, Experimental, Indie
  • Years Active: 2004–Present

Early Life & Musical Journey

Sneha Khanwalkar was born into a Haryanvi family in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. She grew up with a deep interest in music and storytelling. Her initial training in music and sound design helped shape her unique approach to composing.

Unlike traditional Bollywood composers, Sneha pursued an experimental and folk-infused sound. She studied animation before moving into music production, proving her diverse artistic background.

Her breakthrough came when she worked on MTV Sound Trippin’ (2012), where she traveled across India recording local folk sounds and blending them with electronic music.

Musical Career

Sneha Khanwalkar’s filmography

YearMovie/Project TitleLanguageNotes / Description
2005Kal: Yesterday and TomorrowHindiOne song contribution
2007GoHindiFull soundtrack
2008Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!HindiCritically acclaimed soundtrack with Haryanvi influences
2008Supermen of Malegaon (Docu)HindiMusic for documentary
2010Love Sex Aur DhokhaHindiFull soundtrack, R.D. Burman Award for New Music Talent
2011Bheja Fry 2HindiOne song
2012Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1HindiFull soundtrack
2012Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2HindiFull soundtrack, Filmfare nomination
2014DishkiyaoonHindiTwo songs
2014YoungistaanHindiComposed multiple tracks
2014KhoobsuratHindiComposed four songs
2015Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!HindiOne track collaboration
2015Singh Is BliingHindiOne song
2017Hanuman Da’ DamdaarHindiFull soundtrack, also voiced a character
2018MantoHindiComposed four songs
2020GhoomketuHindiTwo songs
2020TranceMalayalamPlayback singer for one track
2020Raat Akeli HaiHindiFull soundtrack
2021Dhindora (Web Series)HindiCo-composer with Bhuvan Bam
2022Sharmaji NamkeenHindiComposed music
2022Chup: Revenge of The ArtistHindiOne song
2022Mister MummyHindiComposed four songs
2023Star Wars: Visions (Episode)EnglishMusic for “The Bandits of Golak” episode
2024Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2HindiOne song contribution
2024CTRLHindiFull soundtrack

Early Work (2004–2007)

Sneha’s first break came with the film “The Hope” (2004), where she composed background music.

She gained attention with “Go” (2007) and “Sarkar Raj” (2008), where she composed background scores. However, her biggest breakthrough came with Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008).

Major Bollywood Hits & Recognition

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008) – First Big Break

Director Dibakar Banerjee gave Sneha her first major film project. Her music was a quirky blend of Punjabi folk, electronic, and urban beats.

✅ Hit Songs:

  • “Superchor”
  • “Oye Lucky”
  • “Tu Raja Ki Raj Dulari”

Her innovative compositions got noticed, proving that Bollywood music could be experimental yet catchy.

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – Career-Defining Album

The biggest breakthrough of Sneha’s career came when she composed for Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (Part 1 & 2).

✔ First woman solo composer in Bollywood in 20+ years
✔ Used real folk singers, street performers, and raw voices
✔ Mixed desi folk, electronic beats, and indie vibes

✅ Iconic Songs:

  • “O Womaniya”
  • “Tain Tain To To”
  • “Hunter”
  • “Kaala Re”
  • “Dil Chi Cha Ledar”

Her work on Gangs of Wasseypur won massive critical and commercial success, making her one of the most innovative music directors in Bollywood.

MTV Sound Trippin’ (2012) – A Game-Changer

In MTV Sound Trippin’, Sneha traveled across India, capturing local sounds, street performances, and regional folk music.

✅ Blended traditional Indian sounds with electronic music
✅ Used real street musicians instead of professional playback singers
✅ Created a documentary-style music album

This show proved her deep understanding of sound design, making her a respected name in experimental and indie music.

Other Notable Works (2013–Present)

  • Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015) – Background score
  • Manto (2018) – A historical film where her music captured the gritty 1940s era
  • Tumbbad (2018) – Additional compositions in one of India’s best horror films

Apart from Bollywood, she has worked on independent music projects, web series, and background scores.

Signature Style & Influence

Sneha Khanwalkar is known for:
✅ Fusion of Folk & Electronic Music – Uses local instruments with modern beats
✅ Raw & Unconventional Vocals – Prefers street singers over Bollywood playback singers
✅ Experimental Soundscapes – Creates quirky, unpredictable, and original tracks
✅ Innovative Recording Techniques – Travels to villages to record real sounds

Her music is a mix of desi, indie, electronic, and folk, making her a unique voice in Bollywood.

Challenges & Breaking Stereotypes

✔ One of the very few female composers in Bollywood
✔ Challenged the industry’s male-dominated music scene
✔ Brought real, unpolished voices into mainstream Bollywood

She paved the way for independent artists and experimental music in mainstream Bollywood.

Awards & Recognition

 Filmfare Award Nomination – Best Music Director for Gangs of Wasseypur
 National Recognition – Praised for MTV Sound Trippin’ and experimental music
 Respected in Indie & Underground Music Circles

Even though she hasn’t composed for many Bollywood films, she remains an icon in experimental and folk music fusion.

Current & Upcoming Projects

Sneha is currently working on:

  • Independent Music Albums
  • Web Series Background Scores
  • Experimental Collaborations with Indie Artists

She continues to push boundaries in sound and composition, inspiring a new generation of musicians.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcHWI1nGAqI&pp=ygUaU25laGEgS2hhbndhbGthciBpbnRlcnZpZXc%3D

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/snekhanwalkar/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/snehakhanwalkarofficial/

Twitter : https://x.com/snekhanwalkar