Ashok Kisanrao Hande is an Indian stage director, writer, actor, singer, producer of musical shows and TV personality based in
Mumbai
Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial capital and the most populous city proper of India with an estimated population of 12 ...
.
Early life
Hande was born in the village of Umbraj in
Pune
Pune ( ; , ISO 15919, ISO: ), previously spelled in English as Poona (List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1978), is a city in the state of Maharashtra in the Deccan Plateau, Deccan plateau in Western ...
in a family of
Varkari
Warkari ( ; Marathi: ; Pronunciation: ; Meaning: 'The one who performs the ''Wari) is a sampradaya (religious movement) within the bhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism, geographically associated with the Indian state of Maharashtra. Wark ...
. From childhood he had a liking for
Bhajan
Bhajan is an Indian term for any devotional song with a religious theme or spiritual ideas, specifically among Dharmic religions, in any language. The term bhajanam (Sanskrit: भजनम्) means ''reverence'' and originates from the root w ...
, Bharud, Ovya,
Tamasha
Tamasha () is a traditional form of Marathi theatre, often with singing and dancing, widely performed by local or travelling theatre groups within the state of Maharashtra, India."Tamasha", in James R. Brandon and Martin Banham (eds), ''The Cambr ...
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
Khandoba (IAST: Khaṇḍobā), also known as Martanda Bhairava and Malhari, is a Hindu deity worshiped generally as a manifestation of Shiva mainly in the Deccan Plateau of India, especially in the state of Maharashtra and North Karnataka. He ...
) 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 sports and cultural activities. While in school, he participated in drama competitions through the Chikitsak group. During college days in Ruparel college, he appeared in one-act plays, singing competitions, etc. Hande learned music from ''kirtankars''
Sonopant Dandekar, Nijampurkar Baba to
Shahir Sable, Amar Sheikh and Balakram Worlikar Kalapathak.
Career
Hande formed a musical group ‘’Chaurang’’ on 7 August 1987. Chaurang promoted the heritage of Indian culture and tradition; mainly music and dance. Hande started a medley of
Marathi
Marathi may refer to:
*Marathi people, an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group of Maharashtra, India
**Marathi people (Uttar Pradesh), the Marathi people in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh
*Marathi language, the Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Mar ...
folk and film songs through “Mangal gaani dangal gaani”. This show became popular and toured
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
and other locations. He made over 1800 performances. Overall, Chaurang crossed a landmark of 6000 shows and travelled to more than 15 states of India as well as countries including the
UK, the
US,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
,
Belgium
Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. Situated in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, it is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeas ...
,
Netherlands
, Terminology of the Low Countries, informally Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe, with Caribbean Netherlands, overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Nether ...
and the
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federal elective monarchy made up of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi serving as i ...
. His narration was unique and everybody was applauded for its innovative and different performing style.
Later, Hande performed nine musical shows - ''Manik Moti'' (based on Marathi singer
Manik Varma
Manik Varma (16 May 1926 – 10 November 1996) was an Indian classical singer from the Kirana and Agra gharanas (singing styles). She was honored with the Padma Shri Award in 1974 for her contribution to the field of music.
Career
Besides t ...
's life and music), ''Ganga Jamuna'' (based on Marathi music director P Savlaram's compositions), ''Amrut Lata'' (75 of
Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar (; born Hema Mangeshkar; 28 September 1929 – 6 February 2022) was an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer. She is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential singers of the Indian subcontinent. He ...
's hand-picked songs), ''Madhurbala'' (biography of the beautiful actress
Madhubala
Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969) was an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. She is considered as one of the greatest and finest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. One of the country ...
through her songs), ''Awaz Ki Duniya'' (based on Bollywood classic songs), ''Mangal Gaani Dangal Gaani'' (a cocktail of Marathi songs), ''Gaane Suhane'' (all-time hit Hindi songs), ''Azaadi'' 60 (commemorating Indian history and 60 years of its independence) ''Marathi Baana'', a cultural extravaganza of
Maharashtra
Maharashtra () is a state in the western peninsular region of India occupying a substantial portion of the Deccan Plateau. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Indian states of Karnataka and Goa to the south, Telangana to th ...
that includes ''
bhajan
Bhajan is an Indian term for any devotional song with a religious theme or spiritual ideas, specifically among Dharmic religions, in any language. The term bhajanam (Sanskrit: भजनम्) means ''reverence'' and originates from the root w ...
'' to ''
lavani
Lavani is a genre of music popular in Maharashtra, India. Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particularly performed to the beats of ''Dholki'', a percussion instrument. Lavani is noted for its powerful rhythm. Lavani h ...
'' and from ''adivasi'' dances to
Ganesh
Ganesha or Ganesh (, , ), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped Deva (Hinduism), deities in the Hindu deities, Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in the Ganapatya sect. His depictions ...
''aarti''.
In 2005, Hande introduced ''Marathi Baana''. The first performance was staged at Dinanath Natyagruha in
Vile Parle
Vile Parle (, also known as Parla), is a suburb and also the name of the railway station in the Western suburb of Mumbai
Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian state o ...
on November 1, 2005. The show included farmers' lives, tribals' stories, ''bhakti sangeet'' (devotional music), ''tamasha-lavani'' (folk dance), celebration of festivals, ''koli'' dance (popular folk dance by the
Kolis
The Koli is an Indian caste that is predominantly found in India, but also in Pakistan and Nepal. Koli is an agriculturist caste of Gujarat but in coastal areas they also work as fishermen along with agriculture.
In the beginning of 20th ce ...
- the fisher folk of Maharastra), ''burgunda'' (common sense passed on orally from one generation to the next), as well as ritual festivities like ''mangalagaur'' (games women play), ''gondhal'' (folk ritual) and ''jogwa'' (dedicated tribe of devotees - ''jogta''/ ''jogtin'' who ask for alms).
Hande directed ''Manik Moti'' with the support of Varma's daughters,
Bharti Achrekar
Bharati Achrekar (15 October 1957) is an Indian Marathi and Hindi theatre, film and television actress. She has been a part of several films in Indian cinema and was celebrated as Mrs Wagle from the Doordarshan show, ''Wagle ki Duniya''. She i ...
,
Vandana Gupte
Vandana Gupte is an Indian actress known for her work in Marathi stage productions along with television and film productions.
Career
Her most well-known TV role was as the domineering Nilambari Pandey in Zee TV's comedy serial ''Kareena Karee ...
and
Rani Varma after her death.
Bhakti Barve
Bhakti Barve (10 September 1948 – 12 February 2001) was an Indian film, theatre and television actress in Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati. She is best known for the title role in the Marathi play '' Ti Phularani and'' for her role in Kundan Sh ...
was the announcer and also helped with the research. On Lata Mangeshkar's 75th birthday, Hande paid tribute to her by showcasing her best 75 songs out of some 5000 through ''Amrut Lata.'' Hande formed a show based on
Yashwantrao Chavan
Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan (Marathi pronunciation: əʃʋənt̪ɾaːʋ t͡səʋʱaːɳ 12 March 1913 – 25 November 1984) was an Indian freedom fighter and politician who served as 8th Minister of Finance from 1970 to 1971 and 1971 to 19 ...
s'' life and achievements named ''Mee Yashwant.'' Hande also made a show on
Madhubala
Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969) was an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. She is considered as one of the greatest and finest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. One of the country ...
's life.
Selected projects
Writer and director
''Mangal gaani Dangal gaani, Aawaz ki Duniya, Aazadi 50, Gaane Suhane, Manikmoti, Aapli awad, Manchahe geet, Swagat 2000, Amrutlata, I Love India, Ganga Jamuna, Anandyatri, Marathi Bana, Adaranjali, Madhurbala, Suvarna Maharashtra, Me Yashwant, Ateet ki naav par, Atre, atre, sarvatre.''
Singer
He appeared in more than 7,500 stage shows He worked as a playback singer in Marathi movies and serials such as ''Hamaal de Dhamal'', ''Shame to Shame'', ''Janta Janardan'', ''Jeevsakha'' and ''Rangberangi''. He sang
jingle
A jingle is a short song or tune used in advertising and for other commercial uses. Jingles are a form of sound branding. A jingle contains one or more hooks and meanings that explicitly promote the product or service being advertised, usually ...
s in many languages, including ''Mangal gaani Dangal gaani'' and ''Awaaz ki Duniya''.
Music director
He directed plays and one-acts, audio cassettes, jingles, programs on Doordarshan. He hosted the Maharashtra state government Chitra-rath on 26 January 1994 republic day parade (topic Mango).
Compering
He was the comper for shows including ''Mangal gaani'', ''Dangal gaani'', ''Awaaz ki Duniya'', ''Azaadi 50'', ''Gaane Suhane'', ''Marathi Bana''.
He was a judge in reality shows: ''Star Pravah'' and ''Nach Baliye.''
Music programmes
*''Aawaj ki duniya''
*''Marathi Baana''
*''Manik Moti''
*''Ganga Jamuna''
*''Amrut Lata''
*''Madhubala''
*''Mangal Gaani Dangal Gaani''
*''Gaane Suhane''
*''Azaadi 60''
Awards
* ‘Vasant Desai Puraskar’
* ' Lokmat Maharastrian of the Year 2017' in Performing Arts Section
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hande, Ashok
Living people
Indian male singers
Place of birth missing (living people)
Marathi-language singers
Year of birth missing (living people)
People from Pune district