Ashok Hande
| Ashok Hande | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ashok Kisanrao Hande |
| Born | Pune, India |
| Occupation(s) | Stage director, writer, actor, singer, producer of musical shows |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1990–present |
Ashok Kisanrao Hande is a well-known stage director, writer, actor, singer, producer of musical shows and TV personality based in Mumbai.
Hande was born in a small village named Umbraj which is near Junnar in the district of Pune in a family of Varkari. He was having a liking to Bhajan, Bhadur, Ovya etc. right from childhood along with Tamasha etc. Later his family moved to Mumbai and he grew up in Rangari Badak chawl in Lalbaug which had 16 buildings and 10,000 residents. Many cultural activities used to happen there which includes dombari khel (street acrobats), bhaloo naach (bear dance), powadas (short performances about patriotic leaders and historical figures), performed lezim (a drill routine with cymbals), heard kirtans (songs from religion and mythology) and speeches of prominent leaders like Acharya Atre and Yashwantrao Chavan. He participated enthusiastically in various competitions during the Ganapati festival. He saw Vasudev (a dervish announcing the arrival of dawn) visiting homes early morning, people going for Khandoba jaagar (staying up through the night in devotion of Lord Khandoba) which helped him to learn rustic folk music. In college as part of the NSS (National Social Service) group, he footed out over 100 km through the tribal areas of Vangani where he picked up their music. In school days, he was actively involved in local Ganesh Utsav, Navratri Utsav, Kho-kho and other sports and cultural activities. While in school, he participated in numerous inter school drama competitions through the Chikitsak group. During college days in Ruparel college, he participated in One-act plays, singing competitions etc. He got the knowledge of music from kirtankars Sonopant Dandekar, Nijampurkar Baba to Shahir Sable, Amar Sheikh, Balakram Worlikar Kalapathak.
Hande formed a musical group ‘’Chaurang’’ on August 7, 1987. Chaurang cultural group was focused on preserving and promoting heritage of Indian culture and tradition, mainly music and dance. He and started a medley of Marathi folk and film songs through “Mangal gaani dangal gaani”. This show was very popular after trip to London all over world and the staged over 1800 houseful shows alone. Overall Chaurang has crossed a landmark of 6000 shows and travelled in more than 15 states of India and countries like UK, United States, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, UAE etc. This programme was widely accepted by all age groups and audience of all test, music drama, film dances. The narration of Hande was unique and everybody has apploped for its innovative and different performing style.
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