Raju Babu Bunge

Raju Babu Bunge, a 61-year-old artist from Chandgaon, Shrigonda, has been a devoted practitioner of traditional music for over 22 years. Inspired by his maternal uncle, who was a singer, Raju Ji grew up accompanying him to performances and even acted in plays, fostering a deep love for music. Skilled in playing the Halgi, Taal, and Tuntuna, he also sings folk forms like Jagran, Gondhal, and Devichi Gani.  

Drawing inspiration from his guru, Dadaram Babu Chakani, and his father, who played the Dhol, Raju Ji performs at Jatras, Devi Utsavs, and other cultural events across Maharashtra. Music, for him, is a way of life, deeply tied to his cultural roots. Balancing farming with music, he dreams of continuing to share the soulful essence of Maharashtra’s folk traditions through his heartfelt performances.