Rajendra Dinkar Shinde

Rajendra Dinkar Shinde, a 44-year-old artist from Dhankawadi, has devoted his life to music, a legacy from his Gondhali heritage. Despite having only completed the third standard, Rajendra learned music from his mentor, Sunil Babar, and has been practicing for 26 years. He plays various instruments, including Sambhal, Dimdi, Tuntuna, and Taal, and also sings traditional folk forms like Devichi and Khandobachi. Rajendra is actively involved in government-led clean awareness campaigns, using his musical talent to convey important messages. His musical journey is deeply intertwined with his family history, as his grandfather, father, and uncle were all musicians. He has performed throughout Maharashtra, including in Pune, Nashik, Satara, and Kokan. Music is his primary source of income, and he aspires to keep sharing his art, performing in more venues, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of his community.