Gaurav Solanki is not just a writer; he is a storyteller who has given voice to issues that many hesitate to touch. Born in Meerut and raised in Sangaria, Rajasthan, he grew up surrounded by stories of ordinary people. These early influences shaped his writing style, which often highlights social justice, human struggles, and political realities.
His career spans across different fields—poetry, fiction, lyrics, and screenwriting. He first gained recognition as a lyricist in Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly (2013), but his real breakthrough came with Article 15 (2019), a film that tackled caste discrimination in India. Today, in 2026, he continues to be a strong voice in Indian cinema, with his latest work Assi starring Taapsee Pannu.
Gaurav Solanki Height, Career, Age, Family, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaurav Solanki |
| Profession | Poet, Lyricist, Screenwriter, Fiction Writer |
| Known For | Writing Article 15 (2019), Tandav (2021), Assi (2026) |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 1986 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 40 Years |
| Birthplace | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Sangaria, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Education | IIT Roorkee (Engineering) |
| Debut in Cinema | Lyricist in Ugly (2013) |
| Breakthrough Work | Screenwriter of Article 15 (2019) |
| Awards | Filmfare Award for Best Story (2020), Star Screen Award for Best Film Writing (2019) |
| Notable Projects | Ugly (2013), Daas Dev (2018), Veere Di Wedding (2018), Article 15 (2019), Tandav (2021), Assi (2026) |
| Family | Belongs to a middle-class family from Sangaria, Rajasthan |
| Hobbies/Interests | Poetry, World Cinema, Social Issues, Animals |
| Inspirations | Premchand, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Wong Kar-wai, Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman |
| @gauravsolanki__/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Gaurav_Solanki_(writer) |
| IMDb | @nm3985391/ |
Early Life and Birthday
Talking about his childhood, Gaurav was born to his parents on 7 July 1986 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. His childhood was spent in Sangaria, Rajasthan, a small town that gave him a close view of rural life. Growing up, he was deeply influenced by Hindi literature, especially the works of Premchand and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. These writers shaped his early imagination and gave him a sense of how stories can reflect society.
Interestingly, Solanki once dreamed of becoming an actor. He even tried to join dramatics clubs during his college days but was rejected. This rejection, however, turned into a blessing. It pushed him towards writing, where he found his true calling. His early years were marked by struggles, but they also gave him the resilience that defines his career today.
Education and Academic Journey
He studied at IIT Roorkee, one of India’s top engineering institutes. While most of his peers focused on technical careers, Solanki discovered his love for literature during his time there.
He faced rejection when he tried to join the dramatics club, but instead of giving up, he began writing poems and stories. He even wrote his first novel during college. Exposure to world literature and cinema during this period broadened his vision. He was inspired by films like Maqbool, Omkara, and Rang De Basanti, which showed him how cinema could be used to tell powerful stories.
Early Struggles and Writing Beginnings
Like many writers, Solanki’s journey was not easy. After college, he posted poems on blogs and tried to get publishers in Delhi to notice his work. Most rejected him. But he kept writing. His short story Hisar Mein Hahakar caught the attention of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who bought its rights.
He also worked briefly in a corporate job but quit after six months to focus on writing full-time. His persistence paid off when he was selected for the Drishyam–Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab in 2016 for his screenplay Nisaar. This recognition gave him confidence and opened doors to bigger projects.
Entry into Cinema and Screenwriting
Gaurav Solanki’s entry into cinema was gradual but impactful. His first step came when filmmaker Anurag Kashyap bought the rights to his short story Hisar Mein Hahakar. Soon after, he worked as a lyricist in Kashyap’s Ugly (2013).
In 2019, Solanki co-wrote Article 15 with director Anubhav Sinha. The film, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, dealt with caste discrimination and police corruption. It was praised for its bold storytelling and realistic portrayal of social issues. He later worked on Tandav (2021), a political thriller series on Amazon Prime. In 2026, he returned with Assi, a courtroom drama starring Taapsee Pannu.
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Career as Poet and Lyricist
Before becoming a screenwriter, Solanki was known for his poetry. He began writing poems during his college days and shared them on blogs. His style was simple yet powerful, often focusing on human emotions and social realities.
As a lyricist, he worked on films like Daas Dev (2018) and Veere Di Wedding (2018). His lyrics stood out for their depth and honesty. Unlike many commercial songs, Solanki’s words carried meaning and emotion. His background as a poet gave him a unique voice in the world of film music.
Awards and Achievements
Solanki’s work has been recognised with several awards. For Article 15, he won the Best Film Writing Award (2019) at the Star Screen Awards. In 2020, he received the Filmfare Award for Best Story, cementing his place as one of India’s leading screenwriters.
His screenplay Nisaar was selected at the Drishyam–Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab (2016), a prestigious recognition that gave him international exposure. These achievements highlight his talent and his ability to tell stories that resonate with both critics and audiences.
Personal Life and Interests
Despite his success, Solanki has remained grounded. He often shares pictures with animals, showing his love for them. He is active on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where he interacts with fans and shares updates about his work.
He has a deep love for world cinema. Directors like Wong Kar-wai, Akira Kurosawa, and Ingmar Bergman have influenced his storytelling style. His journey from Sangaria to Mumbai reflects his determination to follow his passion, even when the path was uncertain.
Family and Roots
Solanki’s family played an important role in his journey. Growing up in Sangaria, he was surrounded by a cultural environment that shaped his worldview. His family supported him when he decided to leave a stable corporate job to pursue writing. This support gave him the courage to take risks and follow his dreams.
Even today, he maintains a strong connection to his hometown. His stories often reflect the realities of small-town India, showing that he has never forgotten his roots.
Interesting Facts About Gaurav Solanki
- Solanki wrote his first poem in Class 11.
- He once dreamed of becoming an actor but was rejected by the dramatics club at IIT Roorkee.
- He quit a corporate job after just six months to focus on writing.
- His short story Hisar Mein Hahakar was bought by Anurag Kashyap.
- He was inspired by films like Maqbool, Omkara, and Rang De Basanti.
- His blog and early poems gained attention before he entered mainstream cinema.
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