Acclaimed writer, lyricist, actor, composer, and storyteller Swanand Kirkire is set to reunite with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for the upcoming cybercrime chase series Pritam and Pedro. The collaboration marks yet another chapter in their long-standing creative partnership that has delivered some of Indian cinema’s most memorable films, including Lage Raho Munna Bhai, PK, 3 Idiots, and Dunki.
For Pritam and Pedro, Swanand has penned a special retro-inspired song that promises to add a nostalgic emotional layer to the contemporary narrative. The track has been sung by the legendary Shreya Ghoshal, composed by celebrated musician Shantanu Moitra, and is picturised on actor Mona Singh, who plays a pivotal role in the series.
Created and produced by Rajkumar Hirani, Pritam and Pedro is an ambitious cybercrime chase drama with a story and screenplay crafted by Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, and Suyash Trivedi. The series is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Avinash Arun, known for his work on Three of Us, Killa, and Paatal Lok. The show boasts an impressive cast featuring Arshad Warsi, Vikrant Massey, Boman Irani, Mona Singh, and also marks the acting debut of Rajkumar Hirani’s son, Vir Hirani.
Known for writing songs that effortlessly blend poetry with emotion, Swanand once again steps into familiar territory with a composition that celebrates the charm of a bygone era while seamlessly fitting into a contemporary story.
Speaking about reuniting with Rajkumar Hirani and the experience of writing the song, Swanand Kirkire said, “Every time I collaborate with Raju sir, it feels less like a professional assignment and more like returning to a creative home. We have shared a journey that spans some of the most important films of my life, and what I cherish most about working with him is that he always approaches storytelling with honesty, warmth, and tremendous emotional intelligence. Whether it was Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, or more recently Dunki, the process has always been deeply enriching because the stories are rooted in humanity.”
Swanand further adds, “When he spoke to me about Pritam and Pedro, I was instantly intrigued because it exists in a very contemporary world driven by technology, cybercrime, and modern anxieties. Yet within that world, there was space for a song that could evoke nostalgia and timeless emotions. That contrast excited me immensely. The challenge was to write something that felt like it belonged to a classic era while still serving the emotional journey of today’s audience.”
Swanand continues, “Retro songs have a certain innocence and lyrical simplicity that we don’t often see anymore. They relied heavily on imagery, romance, longing, and melody rather than spectacle. While writing this song, I found myself revisiting that sensibility. I wanted the lyrics to carry the fragrance of old Hindi cinema without becoming an imitation of it. The goal was to create something familiar yet fresh.”
He concludes, “Having Shantanu Moitra compose the music elevated the experience further because he instinctively understands melody-driven storytelling. He has an incredible ability to create music that feels timeless. And then, of course, there is Shreya Ghoshal. She is one of those rare voices that can effortlessly travel across generations. The moment she sang the song, it felt complete. She brought grace, emotion, and authenticity that only she can bring.”
With a powerhouse creative team and a unique blend of suspense, emotion, and nostalgia, Pritam and Pedro is already generating significant anticipation. Swanand Kirkire’s reunion with Rajkumar Hirani, coupled with a retro melody brought to life by Shreya Ghoshal and Shantanu Moitra, is set to be one of the musical highlights of the much-awaited series.
