Hindi
“The offer came as a delightful surprise, tinged with a hint of disbelief”: Laapata Ladies’ screenwriter Sneha Desai
Mumbai: As the latest Kiran Rao-directed movie “Laapata Ladies” continues to make waves since its release on 1 March 2024, let us applaud the lady behind the screenplay, Sneha Desai.
A prominent figure in film, television, and theatre, Desai has crafted compelling narratives not only for the silver screen but also for hit shows like ‘Pushpa Impossible’ and ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’. With over 1200 shows to her credit on stage, Desai is not just a prolific writer but also an actor, gracing both stage and screen with her talent, enriching the world of entertainment with her diverse skills and contributions.
Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Sneha Desai discussed her journey in the entertainment industry, about portraying strong female characters, on being multifaceted and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On your journey into entertainment, and could you share some memorable moments along the way
Transitioning from the world of stage performances to the dynamic realm of screen productions felt like a natural progression. The sheer love and admiration poured in by audiences have been the driving force behind my pursuit in this industry. Not to mention, the humbling experience of receiving critical acclaim and prestigious awards has only fuelled my passion further. Over time, I found myself delving into the art of writing almost instinctively, realising that audiences don’t just watch but truly absorb and resonate with the content. It’s these moments of connection and resonance that continually inspire me to push boundaries and delve deeper into the world of storytelling.
On writing for “Laapataa Ladies,” and your reaction to Aamir Khan’s offer during lockdown
My journey with “Laapataa Ladies” began unexpectedly during the unprecedented times of the COVID lockdown. It all started with a casual narration session for a different project, but fate had other plans. Months later, I received a call from none other than Aamir Khan himself, presenting me with the opportunity to bring life to a story they had in mind. The offer came as a delightful surprise, tinged with a hint of disbelief. Who wouldn’t be awe-struck when approached by a personality of Mr Khan’s calibre? However, amidst the surrealism, there was an underlying sense of responsibility and pressure to deliver nothing short of excellence.
On your preference in writing for a specific genre
With my journey still in its early stages, I’ve consciously avoided confining myself to a particular genre. Instead, I’m eager to explore through the diverse landscape of storytelling, embracing various styles and narratives along the way. After all, the beauty of storytelling lies not in the limitations of genres but in the boundless possibilities of expression and creativity.
Your works feature strong female characters; what drives crafting such empowered perspectives
Crafting strong and empowered female characters has always been an organic process for me, rooted in my firm belief in individual rights and freedom. Whether male or female, I strive to infuse my characters with depth, agency, and relatable flaws, allowing them to evolve and resonate with audiences on a profound level. It’s this commitment to authenticity and complexity that breathes life into my characters, making them not just figures on a screen but embodiments of resilience and empowerment.
On the challenges that you have faced in the industry and how did you overcome them
Navigating through the legalities, contracts, and rights can often be a daunting task, especially for someone relatively new to the industry. However, with the guidance of experienced mentors and the support of a professional network, I’ve learned to tackle these challenges head-on while keeping my focus firmly grounded in my passion for storytelling. Additionally, in an era where audience attention spans are fleeting and competition is fierce, capturing and retaining viewers’ interest presents its own set of hurdles. Nevertheless, by staying true to my creative vision and adapting to changing landscapes, I’ve managed to navigate through these challenges with resilience and determination.
On the industry evolution in terms of women’s representation, and the changes you hope to see
While the entertainment industry has made significant strides towards inclusivity and gender representation, there’s still ample room for growth and improvement, particularly concerning women’s roles and opportunities. Beyond just representation on screen, I believe in creating a conducive environment that prioritises the safety, security, and well-being of women behind the scenes as well. This entails measures such as flexible working hours, pay parity, and job security, ensuring that women have the support and resources they need to thrive in their respective roles. Ultimately, by fostering a culture of empowerment and equality, we can pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive industry for future generations.
On challenging yourself creatively as a writer wearing multiple hats
Juggling various roles within the creative sphere, from writing scripts to penning lyrics and stepping into the shoes of diverse characters on screen, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth. Each project serves as a canvas for exploration and self-discovery, allowing me to push beyond my comfort zone and tap into different facets of my creativity. Whether it’s experimenting with new storytelling techniques or delving into uncharted territories of expression, I constantly challenge myself to evolve and innovate, keeping the spark of creativity alive and thriving.
On the upcoming projects or aspirations that you have for the future
Exciting ventures lie on the horizon, with YRF’s ‘Maharaj’ set to grace screens on Netflix as my next release. Additionally, a long-awaited Gujarati play is in the pipeline, alongside discussions for intriguing film projects that hold promise. With optimism and enthusiasm, I eagerly await the next chapter of my creative journey, embracing the unknown with open arms and a heart full of aspirations.
In a music industry that often rewards speed, spectacle, and instant recall, Navjot Ahuja’s journey feels refreshingly different. His story is not built on noise. It is built on patience, discipline, emotional honesty, and a quiet commitment to becoming better with every passing year. After 14 years of struggle, learning, performing, and writing, Navjot stands today as an artist whose success has not changed his centre. If anything, it has only made his purpose clearer.
For Navjot, music has never been about chasing fame alone. It has always been about expression. It is about writing more truthfully, singing more skillfully, understanding himself more deeply, and becoming a kinder human being in the process. That rare clarity is what gives his journey its beauty.
Where It All Began: A Writer Before a Singer
Indian singer and songwriter Navjot Ahuja’s musical journey began in the most familiar of places: school assemblies. But even then, what was growing inside him was not only the desire to sing. It was the need to write.
Long before he saw himself as a performer, he had already discovered the emotional release that writing offered him. For Navjot, words became the first true channel for feeling. Songwriting came before singing because writing was the only way he could let emotions flow through him fully. That inner pull shaped his artistic identity early on.
Like many young musicians, he sharpened his craft by creating renditions of popular songs.
Those experiments became his training ground. But the turning point came in 2012, when he wrote his first original song. That moment did not just mark the beginning of songwriting. It marked the beginning of self-definition.
A Calling He Did Not Chase, But Accepted
What makes the latest Indian singer-songwriter Navjot’s story especially compelling is the way he describes his relationship with music. He does not frame it as a career he aggressively pursued. In his own understanding, music was not something he chose. It was something that chose him.
There was a time when he imagined a very different future for himself. He wanted to become a successful engineer, like many young people shaped by ambition and conventional expectations. But life had a different script waiting for him. During his college years, around 2021, music entered his life professionally and began taking a firmer shape.
That shift was not driven by image-building or industry ambition. It came from acceptance. Navjot embraced the fact that music had claimed him in a way no other path could. That sense of surrender continues to define the artist he is today.
An Artist Guided by Instinct, Not Influence
Unlike many singers who speak openly about idols, icons, and musical role models, Navjot’s creative world is built differently. He does not believe his music comes from imitation or inherited influence. He listens inward.
He has never considered himself shaped by ideals in the traditional sense. In fact, he admits that he does not particularly enjoy listening to songs, especially his own. His decisions as a songwriter and singer come from instinct. He writes what feels right. He trusts what his inner voice tells him. He positions his music according to what he honestly believes in, not what trends demand.
That creative independence gives his work a distinct emotional sincerity. His songs do not feel calculated. They feel alive.
The Long Years of Invisible Struggle
Every artist carries a chapter of struggle, and Navjot’s was long, demanding, and deeply formative. One of the biggest challenges he faced was building continuity as the best new indian singer songwriter in an era where musical collaboration is increasingly fluid.
For emerging singers, especially those trying to build with a band, consistency can be difficult. Instrumentalists today have more opportunities than ever to freelance and perform with multiple artists. While that growth is positive and well deserved, it can make things harder for singers who are still trying to establish a steady team and sound around their work.
For Navjot, one of the most difficult phases came during 2021 and 2022, when he was doing club shows almost every day. It was a period of relentless performance, but not always personal fulfillment. He was largely singing covers because clubs were not open to original songs that audiences did not yet know.
For a new Indian singer and songwriter, that can be a painful compromise. To perform constantly and still not have the freedom to share your own voice requires not just resilience, but restraint.
“Khat” and the Grace of Staying Unchanged
After 14 years of effort, Navjot’s new love song Khat became a defining milestone. Professionally, he acknowledges that the song changed how society viewed him as a musician. It strengthened his place in the public eye and altered his standing in meaningful ways.
Yet personally, he remains unchanged.
That is perhaps the most striking part of his story. Navjot says his routine is still the same. His calm is still the same. His writing process is still the same. He does not want success or failure to interfere with the purity of his art. For him, emotional detachment from public outcomes is essential because the moment an artist becomes too attached to validation, the writing begins to shift.
His joy comes not from numbers, but from the attempt. If he has tried to improve his skill today, if he has written his heart out more honestly than before, then he is at peace.
Growth, Not Glory, Remains the Real Goal
Even now, Navjot is not consumed by labels such as singles artist, performer, or digital success story. His focus remains deeply personal. He wants to sing better. He wants to play instruments better. He wants to understand himself more. And he wants to become a kinder person.
That is what makes Navjot Ahuja’s journey so moving. It is not simply the story of a musician finding recognition. It is the story of an artist who continues to grow inward, even as the world begins to look outward at him. In an age obsessed with applause, Navjot reminds us that the most meaningful success often begins in silence, honesty, and the courage to remain true to oneself.
