Loveyapa, Maharaj writer Sneha Desai on whether she suffers from writer’s block, says ‘In this industry, there’s no luxury...' - Exclusive

Sneha Desai is the writer of Loveyapa, Maharaj and Laapataa Ladies

Former actress, who followed her passion for writing stories that touched many hearts, Sneha Desai is a name behind many successful and beautiful movies. After working on TV, Gujarati plays, Sneha is now a successful writer for movies.

Sneha has indeed carved a niche for herself, penning narratives that have captivated audiences. Her hits include films like Laapataa Ladies, Maharaj and the most recent Loveyapa, which starred youngsters Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor.

In an exclusive conversation with Money Control, Sneha Desai revealed how she manages to transition between genres, crafting compelling characters and stories that leave a lasting impact.

Sneha Desai, who has been in the industry for over two decades now, has written dialogues for several successful TV shows, award-winning plays, and critically acclaimed films.

Sneha says her approach to writing is refreshingly grounded and since she has been writing for TV since long, she cannot afford to have a ‘writer’s block’ and is conditioned in a way that she just manages to write nonstop.

The acclaimed writer also says that she is not the kind of person who needs solitude to write and rather feels, ‘the more conditions we place on creativity, the harder it becomes to embrace the challenge of storytelling.’

Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Ques: Loveyapa, though a remake, you have added your magic to the writing. How difficult or easy is it to work on a script when it is a remake?

Sneha: The love and appreciation for Loveyapa’s dialogues has been truly overwhelming, and I’m incredibly grateful to the audience for embracing my work with such enthusiasm. Working on a remake comes with its own set of challenges. While the foundation is already laid, the real task is to retain the essence of the original while breathing fresh life into it. It’s a delicate balance between staying true to the source material and bringing in new layers that enhance the storytelling, much like adding a harmonious note to an already beautiful melody.

Ques: How do you build characters?

Sneha: Character creation is the backbone of any story. A narrative is only as compelling as the journey of its characters. I approach this process holistically, giving them detailed backstories, defining their arcs, and infusing them with unique struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities. The goal is to craft characters so real and layered that they take on a life of their own, making the story feel organic and immersive.

Ques: What inspired you to write Maharaj, and how did you develop the story and characters?

Sneha: Maharaj is based on a real-life event and adapted from Saurabh Shah’s novel of the same name. While the story itself was already in place, adapting it for the screen required careful curation. We had to distil the larger narrative, selecting key moments that would translate effectively into a cinematic experience. The characters, though well-defined in the book, needed depth and dimension on screen. We worked on adding nuances to their personalities, making them more complex and layered. Given the gravity of the incident, it was important to strike a balance between staying true and inoffensive to history and making the film engaging for audiences.

Junai and Jaideep in a poster from Maharaj

Ques: How did you transition from writing a serious drama like Maharaj to a romantic comedy like Loveyapa? Were there any challenges or surprises along the way?

Sneha: The shift from Maharaj to Laapataa Ladies and then to Loveyapa wasn’t a conscious decision but rather a natural progression of the projects I took on. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore such diverse genres. Of course, each script brought its own set of surprises and challenges, whether it was immersing myself in historical drama, understanding the humour in everyday life, or capturing the nuances of modern relationships and nanoships. Adapting my mindset to fit the tone of each project was both a creative challenge and an exciting learning experience.

Ques: When we spoke with Junaid Khan recently, he said he gives all the credit to you for writing such beautiful characters. How is your bonding with him, and how did you manage to write two different characters for him?

Sneha: Junaid is an absolute gem, warm, sincere, and incredibly hardworking. I’ve known him since he joined Maharaj, where I also worked as a dialect supervisor. Spending time with him helped me understand his strengths as a performer, his natural dignity, and his ability to embody a character. This made it easier to craft both Karsandas Mulji (Maharaj) and Gucci- Gaurav Sachdeva (Loveyapa), tailoring them to complement his strengths while pushing his boundaries as an actor. Writing for him felt more like a creative collaboration than just a task.

Ques: After Laapataa Ladies, you impressed everyone with Maharaj and then Loveyapa. What is your process for writing? Do you need solitude, or can you get stories while sitting among friends?

Sneha: I’m not a writer who needs absolute solitude or a specific environment to create. I don’t require a retreat or a designated space to focus. I can write within the comforts of my home amidst the everyday chaos of life. I juggle multiple projects, television, plays, films, while managing family responsibilities. In fact, I believe the more conditions we place on creativity, the harder it becomes to embrace the challenge of storytelling. Inspiration can strike anywhere, and I thrive in that dynamic process.

Ques: Do you also experience writer’s block, and how do you overcome it?
Sneha: Writing for television for over a decade has trained me to work under tight deadlines, where an episode must be delivered daily. In this industry, there’s no luxury of writer’s block. My practice has been so rigorous that I’ve developed a discipline where I sit at my desk and write, regardless of whether I feel inspired or not. The key is to put something down on paper; even if it’s not perfect, you can always refine it. A blank page, however, gives you nothing to work with.

Ques: Which movie is closest to your heart?

Sneha: I’ve loved the process of writing all three films, Maharaj, Laapataa Ladies, and Loveyapa. But if I had to choose one, it would be Laapataa Ladies. It was a deeply personal project where I had significant creative freedom and the privilege of working with two incredible mentors, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao. The messages it conveyed were close to my heart. Additionally, writing it during the lockdown gave me the time to truly immerse myself in the story.

Laapataa Ladies

Ques: Do you love writing for the younger generation or for all audiences?

Sneha: I’m still exploring my identity as a writer, and I don’t want to confine myself to a particular age group or genre. Whether it’s writing for younger audiences, mature themes, or cross generational narratives, I want to remain versatile. Storytelling should transcend demographics, and I aspire to create content that resonates with all kinds of viewers.

Ques: How was your experience working with the directors of Laapataa Ladies, Maharaj and Loveyapa? What did you learn from them, and how did they help shape your scripts?

Sneha: Working with Siddharth Malhotra, Kiran Rao, and Advait Chandan has been an enriching experience. Each of them brings a unique vision, a wealth of experience, and a deep understanding of storytelling. As a relatively new writer, having directors who not only approve but also refine, challenge, and elevate your work is invaluable. The process of brainstorming with them and seeing their insights shape the script has been a tremendous learning curve for me.

Ques: What’s it like to see your characters come to life through performances by actors like Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat?

Sneha: It’s an absolute joy to watch actors like Jaideep Ahlawat bring my characters to life. On paper, they are just words, but when a skilled actor steps into the role, they breathe depth and emotion into them. Watching Jaideep Sir perform, seeing him interpret silences, explore nuances and hidden layers, and elevate dialogues beyond what I imagined, it’s an indescribable feeling. It’s moments like these that make writing truly rewarding.

Ques: How do you handle feedback from directors, actors, or producers?

Sneha: Feedback is always welcome, as long as it enhances the script and stays true to the story’s intent. I consider myself relatively new in the industry, and working with experienced professionals means there’s always something valuable to learn. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and when inputs elevate the narrative, they are not just accepted but appreciated.

Ques: How do you stay updated with industry trends, and how do you see your writing evolving?

Sneha: I watch a lot of content, both good and bad, because each teaches you something. The goal is continuous growth. Every collaboration, every script, and every experience adds another layer to my understanding of storytelling. Writers are like sponges, we absorb from everything around us. I look forward to evolving with every project I take on.

Ques: On your personal journey and career?Sneha: I would call myself a reluctant writer. My journey started on the stage as an actress, and from there, I transitioned into writing for Gujarati theatre, followed by television, and eventually, films. It has been an organic progression rather than a planned path. Fortunately, most opportunities came my way, and my biggest challenge has always been to deliver quality work with sincerity and within deadlines. The learning process never stops, and I genuinely look forward to more collaborations. I just hope the film industry continues to be welcoming to outsiders like me.

Ques: How did you got started in writing? What were some of your early experiences or successes?

Sneha: I come from a corporate family background and was born and raised in Mumbai. My love for writing began in school with essays and letters, but I never thought it would turn into a career. I started acting on Gujarati stage and after my son Kavit was born, I shifted my focus to writing. My plays were well received, earning both awards and audience appreciation. I then ventured into television, working on shows like Wagle Ki Duniya and Pushpa Impossible, both of which have completed over two thousand episodes collectively. Transitioning to films with Laapataa Ladies was a dream come true, especially given the love and acclaim it has received.

Ques: What’s next for you? Are you working on any new projects or scripts that you’re excited about?

Sneha: I’m about to sign an OTT series, which will be my first in the digital space. It’s an exciting new challenge, as long format storytelling is a different beast altogether. I’ve also completed writing an upcoming project for AKP (Aamir Khan Productions), which is currently in post production and should release later this year. Both these projects are very exciting and I can’t wait to see them come to life.

Loveyapa

Ques: What is one genre that you would love to write?

Sneha: I would love to write a sharp, gripping murder mystery or a tightly woven courtroom drama. Both genres require precision, depth, research and layers of intrigue, which makes them extremely challenging and exciting to work on. It is something I definitely want to explore in the future.

Talking about Sneha, it was in 2024 that she made a significant mark with Laapataa Ladies, film produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling, which emerged as one of the biggest cinematic successes of the year.

The film received widespread acclaim, winning Best Film (Critics' Choice) at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and Best Dialogues at the FOI Online Awards.

She also wrote for Maharaj, the much-anticipated project starring Junaid Khan, which received multiple nominations, including Best Dialogues at the Filmfare OTT Awards.

Sneha has written dialogues for hit TV series such as Pushpa Impossible (SAB TV), Wagle Ki Duniya (SAB TV), and Yeh Teri Galliyan (ZEE TV). She has won ITA and SWA nominations.

In theatre, she has written and performed in several award-winning plays, including Code Mantra, Safarchand, and Lagori, with adaptations in multiple languages.

Her contribution to Gujarati and Hindi cinema is further highlighted through her work as a lyricist for films like Kutch Express (for which she won the GIFA Best Lyricist award) and Golkeri.