Ashok Hande
Ashok Kisanrao Hande is an Indian stage director, writer, actor, singer, producer of musical shows and TV personality based in Mumbai. Early life Hande was born in the village of Umbraj in Pune in a family of Varkari. From childhood he had a liking for Bhajan, Bharud, Ovya, Tamasha etc. Later, his family moved to Mumbai and Hande grew up in Rangari Badak Chawl in Lalbaug, which had 16 buildings and 10,000 residents. Many cultural activities took place there including dombari khel (street acrobats), bhaloo naach (bear dance), powadas (short performances about patriotic leaders and historical figures), lezim (a drill routine with cymbals), kirtans (songs from religion and mythology) and political speeches. Hande participated in competitions during the Ganapati festival. He saw Vasudev (a dervish announcing the arrival of dawn) visiting homes in early morning, people going for khandoba jaagar (staying up through the night in devotion of Lord Khandoba) which helped him to learn folk music. In college, as part of the NSS (National Social Service) group, Hande walked over 100 km through the tribal areas of Vangani where he learned their music. In school days, he was actively involved in local Ganesh Utsav, Navratri Utsav, Kho-kho and other