Snehan (born Sivaselvam) is an Indian lyricist, poet, actor, playback singer, and politician born on 23 June 1978 in Pudhukariyapatti, a small village near Sengipatti in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. He is the youngest of eight sons in a Kallar (Thevar) agricultural family. He adopted the name Snehan - meaning 'man of love' in Tamil - as he felt Sivaselvam was too common. Moving to Chennai, he worked as a protégé to legendary lyricist Vairamuthu for five years, then as editor of the monthly magazine Ilanthendral for three years. At a 1995 book launch, he was offered a chance to write film songs by director K. Balachander and went on to craft lyrics for over 2,500 songs across 500+ Tamil films. His most acclaimed works include songs in Pandavar Bhoomi (2001), Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002), Raam (2005), Saamy (2003), and Charlie Chaplin (2002). He debuted as an actor in Yogi (2009) and as a playback singer in the same film. He is a member of Kamal Haasan's political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and is a motivational speaker. He married Kannika Ravi and they have twin daughters (named by Kamal Haasan himself). In June 2017, he entered Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 and was elected its very first House Captain. His passionate vocal support of Oviya and his emotional candour made him one of the season's most beloved figures. He finished as First Runner-Up on 30 September 2017. He subsequently announced plans to build a library in rural Thanjavur with the prize money (which he pledged if he won), and he honoured that commitment despite not winning. He later participated in Bigg Boss Ultimate Season 1 (2022).
Writing lyrics for over 2,500 Tamil film songs across 500+ films; celebrated songs in Pandavar Bhoomi (2001), Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002), Raam (2005), and Saamy (2003); acting debut in Yogi (2009); First Runner-Up of Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1.
